Vigortests

Vigortests is a term used in seed science to denote a family of standardized assays that assess seed and seedling vigor, providing information about the potential performance of a seed lot beyond basic germination rates. These tests aim to predict field emergence, uniformity, and endurance under adverse or suboptimal conditions, making them a common quality-control tool in seed production and breeding programs.

Common vigortests look at physiological integrity and vigor-related traits rather than merely whether a seed can germinate. Techniques include accelerated aging and controlled deterioration, which expose seeds to stressful conditions to reveal vigor differences; cold tests, which assess performance after exposure to low temperatures; and metabolic or membrane integrity assays such as electrical conductivity tests. Germination-based vigor indices, such as germination speed or seedling length, are often combined with measurements of seedling vigor, including root and shoot growth, to provide a composite score.

Practically, vigortests are used for lot release, quality assurance, and comparative evaluation of seed lots or cultivars. They are typically performed according to standardized procedures published by international and national bodies, such as the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). Results are interpreted alongside traditional germination tests and environmental data to guide decision-making in seed marketing, breeding, and agronomic planning. Limitations include species-specific responses and imperfect correlation with field performance; vigortests are most informative when used as part of a broader seed-quality assessment rather than as a standalone predictor.

See also: seed viability, germination testing, seed vigor, ISTA vigor tests.