Abstract:

The aims are to evaluate the seed vigor of foxtail millet, study the feasibility of the UV spectrophotometer method used in seed vigor detection of foxtail millet, and provide a new method for rapid and non-destructive detection of seed vigor of foxtail millet. The naturally dried seeds of ‘Yugu 18’ from 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 were soaked for different time, and the seed vigor was evaluated according to the UV absorption value of the leaching solution. The results showed that the germination potential and germination rate of seeds at 28℃ decreased with the prolongation of the seed storage time. The shorter the seed storage time, the higher the seed germination rate was. After the foxtail millet seeds with the same storage time were soaked by water, its OD values of the leaching solution increased along with the prolonging soaking time. The OD values of the leaching solution of different-storage-year seeds increased along with the prolonging soaking time. The UV absorption value of the leaching solution at 220 nm was significantly and negatively correlated with the standard germination rate of the seeds. The comprehensive analysis showed that the OD value of seed after soaking for 8 h at 220 nm could objectively evaluate the viability of the seeds, and provide a simple and operational method for the rapid, non-destructive detection of seed viability.

Key words: foxtail millet, germination rate, absorbance, seed vigor, ultraviolet spectrophotometer