Authors :
Baldwin Meitankeisangbam; Thokchom Brien Singh; Yanglem Mansi Devi; Samjetsabam Chanulembi Devi
Volume/Issue :
Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 12 - December
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/35jsryks
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/2jeavbvz
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14470289
Abstract :
Seed quality assessment is essential for
ensuring optimal agricultural productivity, particularly
in oilseed crops like rapeseed and mustard. This study
investigates electrical conductivity (EC) as a quantitative
indicator of membrane integrity and viability in six
Brassica varieties, comparing fresh and aged seed
samples. A factorial randomized block design was
employed, testing fresh seeds (harvested in the previous
season) and aged seeds (stored for 24 months) under
controlled conditions. EC measurements were conducted
for assessing ion leakage as a reflection of membrane
degradation. The results revealed a significant increase
in EC values for aged seeds across all varieties, with
fresh seed values ranging from 49.50 μS (Potsangbam
Yella) to 99.75 μS (TS-38), while aged seed values
increased to 101.50 μS (Potsangbam Yella) and 145.00
μS (TS-38), indicating a marked deterioration of
membrane integrity. The average EC for fresh seeds was
65.83 μS, compared to 113.37 μS for aged seeds,
highlighting substantial membrane damage in aged
samples. Correlating with lower germination rates and
vigour indices, the EC values were found to effectively
predict seed viability. Specifically, germination rates of
fresh seeds were significantly higher (up to 90%)
compared to aged seeds, where the germination rate
decreased by 25-40% depending on the variety. Stress
tests further validated these findings, with fresh seeds
(EC ≤ 70 μS) showing over 75% germination under
accelerated aging and cold stress conditions, whereas
aged seeds (EC ≥ 100 μS) exhibited reduced germination
(< 50%). This study confirms EC as a rapid, reliable,
and non-destructive tool for assessing seed quality and
predicting viability loss, supporting its integration into
seed quality control and breeding programs aimed at
improving storage resilience and seed longevity.
Keywords :
Electrical Conductivity; Seed Viability; Membrane Integrity; Brassica Spp; Seed Aging; Germination; Vigour Index; Storage Resilience.
References :
- Aurellia, E. (2009). Effect of storage moisture on wheat seed viability: A study on EC measurements. Seed Preservation Journal, 14(4), 45-53.
- Gugel, R.K., & Falk, K.C. (2006). Assessing seed quality in oilseed Brassicas through electrical conductivity. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 86, 657-664.
- Hampton, J.G. (1995). Seed viability and vigor in relation to agricultural productivity. Journal of Seed Science, 17, 101-107.
- Hussein, M., Brasher, P., & Ortiz, R. (2012). Electrolyte leakage in maize seeds as an indicator of seed quality. Agricultural and Biological Sciences, 39(2), 215-221.
- Jose, A.M., & Francisco, M.L. (2019). Electrical conductivity as an indicator of membrane integrity in aging seeds of Brassica spp. Agricultural Sciences Journal, 12, 433-442.
- McDonald, M.B., & Wilson, D.O. (1979). Evaluation of seed quality in aging oil-rich seeds. Seed Science and Technology, 7, 191-200.
- Mumtaz, M., Naseem, S., & Bano, A. (2003). Effect of accelerated ageing on membrane integrity of pea seeds. Seed Science and Technology, 31(1), 1-8.
- Rina, R., & Wahida, W. (2008). Electrical conductivity of leachate from soybean seeds as affected by seed quality. Journal of Crop Science, 33(3), 190-195.
- Veselova, T.V., & Veselovsky, V.A. (2003). Membrane permeability and seed quality during aging. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 41, 839-844.
Seed quality assessment is essential for
ensuring optimal agricultural productivity, particularly
in oilseed crops like rapeseed and mustard. This study
investigates electrical conductivity (EC) as a quantitative
indicator of membrane integrity and viability in six
Brassica varieties, comparing fresh and aged seed
samples. A factorial randomized block design was
employed, testing fresh seeds (harvested in the previous
season) and aged seeds (stored for 24 months) under
controlled conditions. EC measurements were conducted
for assessing ion leakage as a reflection of membrane
degradation. The results revealed a significant increase
in EC values for aged seeds across all varieties, with
fresh seed values ranging from 49.50 μS (Potsangbam
Yella) to 99.75 μS (TS-38), while aged seed values
increased to 101.50 μS (Potsangbam Yella) and 145.00
μS (TS-38), indicating a marked deterioration of
membrane integrity. The average EC for fresh seeds was
65.83 μS, compared to 113.37 μS for aged seeds,
highlighting substantial membrane damage in aged
samples. Correlating with lower germination rates and
vigour indices, the EC values were found to effectively
predict seed viability. Specifically, germination rates of
fresh seeds were significantly higher (up to 90%)
compared to aged seeds, where the germination rate
decreased by 25-40% depending on the variety. Stress
tests further validated these findings, with fresh seeds
(EC ≤ 70 μS) showing over 75% germination under
accelerated aging and cold stress conditions, whereas
aged seeds (EC ≥ 100 μS) exhibited reduced germination
(< 50%). This study confirms EC as a rapid, reliable,
and non-destructive tool for assessing seed quality and
predicting viability loss, supporting its integration into
seed quality control and breeding programs aimed at
improving storage resilience and seed longevity.
Keywords :
Electrical Conductivity; Seed Viability; Membrane Integrity; Brassica Spp; Seed Aging; Germination; Vigour Index; Storage Resilience.