• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.432-438
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• 2013

This study was conducted to compare seed viability among 42 species after ten years of storage in the midterm storage complex ($4^{\circ}C$, 30-40% RH) at the National Agrobiodiversity Center (NAC) Korean genebank maintained by the Rural Development Administration (RDA), Republic of Korea and to suggest the relative seed longevity and suitable monitoring intervals. The germination data from initial tests and after ten years of storage were compared to measure changes in viability during storage. The decline in seed viability varied greatly among seeds from -11.5% for Triticum sp. to 80% for melon. Coriander, crowndaisy, safflower, cosmos, Chinesebellflower, waxgourd, melon, castorbean, Welch-onion, hollyhock, wild barley, and tallfescue showed significant decreases in viability of 34.2%, 73.4%, 36.5%, 30.0%, 40.2%, 71.3%, 80.0%, 65.9%, 45.5%, 51.4%, 53.0%, and 33.5%, respectively. Gardenpea, soybean, perilla, onion, wild rice, Italian-ryegrass, and pepper showed a 15-30% decline in viability, while the viability of morningglory, adzukibean, maize, and Capsicum sp. decreased by 15% to 5%. Chicory, radish, Chinese-cabbage, bottlegourd, watermelon, cucumber, pumpkin, Cucurbita sp., groundnut, kidneybean, clubwheat, sesame, wheat, Triticum sp., rice, barley, orchardgrass, buckwheat, and wild tomato showed changes in viability of <5%. The changes in storage viability also varied within families. The wild types of rice and barley showed rapid viability loss and presented different aspects from cultivars. Since seed viability of species, classified as index 1 or 2, showed germination losses >15% after ten years of storage, a viability test should be conducted with five year intervals, while species with germination loss of <15% (in index 3 or 4) can be retested at ten year intervals.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.188-193
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• 2014

Seed viability testing provides valuable information for assessing seed lot germinability. However, most testing methods require destruction of seed prior to test. Because the dissected seeds for viability test cannot be used further evaluation, the nondestructively X-ray photography technique that can be applied for the evaluation of seed quality has been developed. In order to know the validity and accuracy of X-ray photography technique in seed evaluation test that conducted to remove the abnormal seed from a seed lot, we have compared the results from tetrazolium viability test, germination test and X-ray contrast method in cotton. Metallic salts treatment increased the efficiency of X-ray photographic method by enhancing the penetration of X-ray in abnormal or damaged seeds rather than normal seeds that have strong and well-organized tissues in seed. Cotton seeds presoaked for 16 hr in distilled water followed by soaking into metallic salt solution (5% NaI in water) for 60 min were easily classified seeds into dead seed and viable seed based on the radiography images obtained by X-ray radiation. We concluded that soft X-ray photography was reliable to find out the various defective characters due to heat and mechanical damage of seeds.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.59-65
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• 2006

The impermeable seed coat is valuable trait in soybean because impermeable seed retain viability for longer period than permeable seed under adverse conditions such as delayed harvest or prolonged storage. Soybean seeds of various size showing different seed hardness were examined for their water absorption and seed viability under adverse storage conditions. Of one hundred thirty nine genotypes, eight types of seeds having different seed hardness and seed size were used as material. Soybean genotypes showing high hard seed rate, GSI13125 (89%), GSI10715 (54%), and GSI10284 (42%), were slow in water absorption and low in the electroconductivity of seed leachate in distilled water. Germination of GSI10284 and GSI13125 that have higher hard seed rate was less affected by CSVT and artificial aging treatment indicating higher seed storability. The higher storing ability of both collections was confirmed by electroconductivity test for leachate. GSI10122 showed low seedling emergence when the seeds were artificially aged. This genotype was considered as to having a poor storing ability based on difference of electroconductivity before and after artificial aging. Among tests conducted in the experiment, CSVT could be used for determining storage life in legumes. In conclusion, water absorption property of seed was strongly related to the hardness that is directly related to the seed viability and storing ability in soybean seed.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2013

Oreorchis coreana Finet is threatened globally by over-collection from its natural habitats for horticultural purposes. Its rarity in nature makes this plant one of the most endangered species in Korea. In this study, we investigated the effects of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on orchid seed viability and seed germination. An in vitro bioassay swelling test using immature seeds was compared with a standard chemical procedure using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) to test seed viability. In general, the bioassay was more appropriate for estimating embryo viability after a prolonged pre-treatment (more than 1 h) in 1% NaOCl, a surface sterilant often used to enhance germination of seeds of terrestrial plants. Therefore, an efficient method for investigating in vitro swelling of immature seeds is urgently needed. We established a method for determining the viability and swelling of O. coreana seeds via in vitro examination of immature seeds. Treatment of immature seeds with 1% NaOCl for 10 min greatly enhanced the extent of swelling of immature zygote embryos when compared to untreated seeds. These data obtained here appear to be comparable to viability and swelling that occurs in O. coreana seeds via asymbiotic germination.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.282-291
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• 2013

Rapid loss in viability of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) seed is a major problem. Present effort was undertaken for developing a set pattern for assessing of viability and vigour in seed of various mother tree age of neem (Age I-06 years, Age II-15 years, Age III-25 years and Age IV->30 years old). Various viability test viz. triphenyle tetrazolium chloride test, electrical conductivity, excised embryo test, and germination test have been performed on seeds obtained from mother tree age classes. Inconsistency was observed with the TTC and EC test in germination of seed in laboratory as well as nursery. While various vigour tests viz. cold test, chemical stress test (methanol stress test), and accelerated ageing test alongwith ageing index, germination test (G%, MGT and GV) and various seedling growth parameters like seedling length (cm), number of leaves, collar diameter (cm), total biomass (g) alongwith mathematical indices i.e. vigour index, sturdiness quotient, volume index, quality index, root shoot ratio in nursery as well have been taken for study and showed better consistency. On the basis present study results of various viability and vigour test indicated that mother tree age class II performed better in comparison to others and it can be recommended for seed collection. Further it is also recommended that viability of neem seed may be assessed using various laboratory tests like excise embryo test and germination test (G%, MGT and GV) and vigour test may be taken preferably by cold germination test, chemical (methanol) stress test, accelerated ageing test in laboratory and germination alongwith various seedling growth parameters seedling length (cm), number of leaves, collar diameter (cm), total biomass (g) alongwith mathematical indices like Vigour Index, Sturdiness quotient, Volume Index, Quality index, root shoot ratio in nursery as discussed in this study.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.207-214
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• 2017

There is little information about the seed longevity of wild plants, although seed bank storage is an important tool for biodiversity conservation. This study was conducted to predict the seed viability equation of Agastache rugosa. The A. rugosa seeds were stored at moisture contents ranging from 2.7 to 12.5%, and temperatures between 10 and $50^{\circ}C$. Viability data were fitted to the seed viability equation in a one step and two step approach. The A. rugosa seeds showed orthodox seed storage behaviour. The viability constants were $K_E=6.9297$, $C_W=4.2551$ $C_H=0.0329$, and $C_Q=0.00048$. The P85 of A. rugosa seeds was predicted to 152 years under standard seed bank conditions. The P85 predicted by seed viability equation can be used as basic information for optimization of seed storage processes.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.557-566
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• 2016

In nine commercial watermelon cultivars, the effects of osmotic seed priming were evaluated for seed viability and seedling growth at different germination temperatures and field conditions. Generally, primed seeds showed improved germination rate and reduced time for emergence at different germination temperatures, as compared to untreated seeds. In particular, priming effect on seed germination was significantly high at $15^{\circ}C$, which is an environment normally resulting in poor germination. Depending on the watermelon cultivar, germination rate under low temperature ($15^{\circ}C$) was improved by up to 15~66% in primed seeds, as compared to untreated seeds. However, priming effect on germination was gradually reduced as the temperature reached to its optimum level for seed germination. Seed priming tended to improve the viability, fresh weight, and dry weight of watermelon seedlings, but its effect on seedling stage was not large, as compared to untreated seeds. Primed watermelon seeds showed improved emergence rate and facilitated germination in the field, but their seedling growth after 30 days from germination was not significantly affected. Our results indicated that seed priming can greatly improve the seed germination at poor temperature conditions in the watermelon.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.24 no.12
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• pp.1673-1679
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• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of fruit set internode on the germination of watermelon seeds. Generally fruits setted in higher than 20 internode were high percent of germination, fruit setted in low internode(5-10) is low. The higher fruit-set internode, fruit weight was significantly increased, but 1,000 seed weight was decreased the more fruit set internode. However number of seed was about 300 seeds irrespective of fruit-set internode. Investigating viability of seed by BP test, general percent germination was recorded highest at 5 flower cluster above 20 internode of fruit-set internode. In contrast, condition of fruit setted on 3, 4, 6 flower cluster were high percent of germination, regarded as unnormal germination not to be as normal seedling by 2~3%. Seed harvested at 5 flower-cluster had high viability on hypocotyl height and diameter of seedling through early growth test, but were not significant. Therefore 5 flower-cluster was optimum fruit-set internode to obtain high-quality seed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.983-987
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• 2014

Nigella sativa (N sativa), commonly known as black seed, has been used in traditional medicine to treat many diseases. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities of N sativa extracts are well known. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the anticancer activity of seed extract (NSE) and seed oil (NSO) of N sativa against a human lung cancer cell line. Cells were exposed to 0.01 to 1 mg/ml of NSE and NSO for 24 h, then percent cell viability was assessed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2, 5-biphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and neutral red uptake (NRU) assays, and cellular morphology by phase contrast inverted microscopy. The results showed NSE and NSO significantly reduce the cell viability and alter the cellular morphology of A-549 cells in a concentration dependent manner. The percent cell viability was recorded as 75%, 50%, and 26% at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/ml of NSE by MTT assay and 73%, 48%, and 23% at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/ml of NSE by NRU assay. Exposure to NSO concentrations of 0.1 mg/ml and above for 24 h was also found to be cytotoxic. The decrease in cell viability at 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/ml of NSO was recorded to be 89%, 52%, 41%, and 13% by MTT assay and 85%, 52%, 38%, and 11% by NRU assay, respectively. A-549 cells exposed to 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml of NSE and NSO lost their typical morphology and appeared smaller in size. The data revealed that the treatment of seed extract (NSE) and seed oil (NSO) of Nigella sativa significantly reduce viability of human lung cancer cells.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.112 no.4
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• pp.442-450
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• 2023

This study sought to determine the desiccation tolerance and storage behavior of Sarcandra glabra seeds to assist in the establishment of an ex-situ conservation strategy for the species. The basic germination characteristics of S. glabra seeds were investigated. Subsequently, the seeds were dried to various desiccation levels to allow for analysis of their germination characteristics and seed integrity. In addition, the seeds were subjected to germination tests after being stored for different durations. The initial seed moisture content following the removal of the fleshy fruit was 32.8%, and the fresh seeds maintained their seed viability even after a decrease in the seed moisture content to 4.8%, while the germination percentage was 81.0%. The germination percentage of the seeds decreased to 55.0% and 30.0% when they were desiccated to moisture contents of 2.3% and 2.2%, respectively. By contrast, when the stored seeds were desiccated, they maintained their seed viability and vigor at a moisture content of 18.6%; however, when the moisture content decreased below 5.0%, both the seed viability and vigor significantly declined and the germination percentage fell below 20.0%. Furthermore, analysis of the seed leachate revealed that the decrease in the seed viability and vigor was associated with both increased electrical conductivity and increased concentrations of inorganic compounds such as potassium and calcium. In conclusion, the findings of this study show S. glabra seeds to possess desiccation tolerance that falls somewhere between the recalcitrant and intermediate seed types, with the observed variations depending on the degree of deterioration.