1998/06/01 by Miller B. McDonald · 1 citation
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Genetic and Environmental Crop Studies #Seed Germination and Physiology #Soybean genetics and cultivation
paper · doi:10.1017/s0960258500004165
openalex publication_date 1998/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Abstract Growers expect high-quality, genetically pure seed. As a result, seed companies maintain quality control programmes that monitor seed from harvest to purchase. An array of ‘traditional’ seed quality tests, including mechanical tests and tests of genetic purity, seed germination and vigour, and seed health tests, is used, and seed quality assessment techniques continue to evolve. Advances in molecular genetics are allowing the release of new varieties differing essentially in one gene. New molecular biology approaches offer the potential to identify these subtle genetic differences. Advances in seed enhancements, such as pelleting, priming and pregermination, require increased scrutiny of seed quality before and after the enhancement process. New developments in computer imaging for improved purity and germination/vigour analyses are being developed. These novel approaches to seed quality assessment become important as new genetic improvements are conveyed in the seed at increased cost to the grower.