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Laboratory Packed Sand Test for Measuring Vigor of Sugarbeet Seed¹

Emergence of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) seedlings is a major problem affecting stand establishment in sugarbeet production. Our objectlve was to evaluate a packed sand laboratory procedure for measuring vigor of sugarbeet seed and relate it to field emergence under a range of conditions.

Results from the packed sand test measuring percent emergence of seedlings through silica sand, 3.8 cm thick, 4% water (wt/wt), and 10 C, were highly correlated (r = 0.89 to 0.98) with field emergence in tests with seed lots of commercial cultivars, whereas standard germination was not a reliable indicator of emergence potential. The average field emergence of seed lots of four commercial cultivars, ‘GWH 45,’ ‘GWH 48,’ ‘GWH 93,’ and ‘GWH 115,’ ranged from 29.7 to 54.3, 34.3 to 68.8, 30.9 to 49.7 and 19.5 to 29.0%, respectively. Identification and utilization of high vigor seed lots would improve overall seedling emergence under most conditions. The procedure as described provides a tool for investigating cultural practices influencing emergence as well as a quality control test to aid in processing seed for improved seed vigor.

Key Words: Seed lot • Cultivar • Standard germination • Field emergence

² Senior plant physiologist and senior plant breeder, Attic. Res. Ctr., The Great Western Sugar Company, Longmont, CO 80501.

Received for publication October 29, 1979.