itävyystestaus

Itävyystestaus, also known as germination testing, is a crucial process in agriculture and horticulture used to determine the viability of seeds. It assesses the percentage of seeds within a sample that are capable of germinating under optimal conditions. This testing is vital for seed producers, farmers, and gardeners to ensure the quality and potential productivity of their seed lots.

The process typically involves placing a representative sample of seeds on a moist substrate, such as filter paper or a germination medium, within a controlled environment. This environment is carefully maintained for temperature, humidity, and light, as these factors significantly influence germination rates. Over a specified period, usually ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on the species, the seeds are observed for signs of germination, which is typically defined as the emergence of the radicle (embryonic root) or plumule (embryonic shoot).

The results of an itävyystestaus are expressed as a germination percentage, calculated by dividing the number of germinated seeds by the total number of seeds tested and multiplying by 100. A high germination percentage indicates a viable seed lot, suggesting good quality and a high probability of successful plant establishment. Conversely, a low percentage may signal problems with seed storage, age, or inherent genetic quality, prompting further investigation or rejection of the seed lot. This testing is fundamental for predicting crop yields and making informed decisions about planting.