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Methanol Stress as a Test of Seed Vigor¹

A pre-germination treatment of seeds with methanolwater solutions is shown to mimic the effects of the accelerated aging treatment of soybeans (40 C, 100% RH). Similarities in germination data are presented for accelerated aging and methanol stress of peas (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) and 7 cultivars of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Methanol stress is shown to bring about physiological lesions similar to those from accelerated aging, including increased membrane leakage, depressed cyanide sensitive respiration, and lowered chlorophyll synthesis in the cotyledons. The method is offered as a simple alternative to accelerated aging both in terms of seed testing and physiological studies.

Key Words: Germination tests • Pisum sativum L. • Glycine max L. (Merr.)

² Research assistant; research associate; and distinguished scientist, respectively, Boyce Thompson Institute, Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853.

Received for publication December 17, 1979.