Fermentation as an Estimator of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Seed Vigor

Abstract

Anoxic -induced fermentation was evaluated as a potential cotton seed vigor test. Seed samples from a single seed lot were subjected to accelerated aging for different durations to create five classes of seeds on the basis of vigor. The ethanol and acetaldehyde excreted from seeds from each class during brief periods of anoxia was quantified by gas-liquid-chromatography. Ethanol and acetaldehyde production during anoxia was negatively correlated with standard germination test results of all seed samples receiving accelerated aging. The fermentation capacity of hydrated cotton seeds remained intact at imbibition temperatures, which significantly reduced radicle growth.