Vigour tests for cabbage seeds using electrical conductivity and controlled deterioration to estimate relative emergence in transplant modules

Measurements of electrical conductivity (EC) of seed soak water (4x100 seeds. each in 40 ml deionised water for 17 and 24 h), both initially and for seeds after controlled deterioration (CD) of 24 h at 20% me, were negatively and significantly correlated with total germination after CD, and seedling emergence in transplant modules for 13 seed lots of the cabbage cultivar Yalova 1. Regression equations of 12 of the lots were calculated for EC with CD total germination (initial EC: R-2=0.72. P<0.001; EC after CD: R-2=0.83 P<0.001) and seedling emergence (initial EC: R-2=0.61 P<0.001; EC after CD: R-2=0.68 P<0.001). These equations were used to predict actual data. Predictions of absolute germination and emergence were not close but the four lowest performing lots, two of which had initial standard germination greater than 80%, were identified. Two new vigour tests are proposed, based on work on the cabbage cultivar Yalova 1: (1) initial EC after either 24 or 17 h of soaking and (2) EC after CD which could be completed in 2 to 3 (lays using a shortened moisture equilibration period and a 17 h EC. The regression equations are highlighted as a basis for comparison in future work on other cultivars of cabbage and Brassica species.