The effects of mechanical damage, insect infestation, and storage conditions on seed viability of wheat (Triticum vulgare)

• Main Author: Cinki, Sevim
• Other Authors: Ching, T. M., Farm Crops, Oregon State University. Graduate School
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English; unknown
• Published: Oregon State University
• Subjects: Wheat > Storage; Grain > Storage > Diseases and injuries; Arctic
• Online Access: https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/cz30pw216

The effects of mechanical damage, insect infestation and storage conditions on seed viability of spring wheat were studied by three known tests, laboratory germination, greenhouse growth, and tetrazolium staining, so that the relationship of these tests could be discerned to facilitate seed testing work. Mechanical damage was induced by threshing, insect infestation was accomplished by inoculation of granary weevils, and storage conditions were provided by simulated climatic zones around the world, i.e. tropical (hot-wet), arctic (coId-wet), desert (hot-dry) and temperate, Seed moisture content reached an equilibrium under tropical conditions with three weeks to 18 percent and desert conditions within three months to six percent. Under temperate conditions, seed gained moisture gradually to 12 percent at the end of six months, while under arctic conditions, seed took up moisture rapidly in the first month and then only gradually to 19 percent in six months. Seed moisture was not greatly affected by mechanical damage and insect infestation. Seed viability was reduced rapidly under tropical conditions, gradually under arctic conditions, and slightly under temperate and desert conditions for six months. Mechanical damage and insect infestation caused a substantial decrease under all the conditions studied. Both mechanical damage and insect infestation increased abnormal seedlings and internal injuries, and decreased seedling vigor. Results from laboratory germination and greenhouse growth tests were comparable for all the treatments. The results of tetrazolium and germination tests in the laboratory or greenhouse were highly correlated. Regression equations for predicting germination percentages from results of tetrazolium tests were calculated for each storage condition and treatment.