Seed Vigor Changes of Forage Pea Cultivars Based on Seed Color

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether there were the differences for germination performance and seed vigor among the seed colors (Brown, green and army green) in forage pea cultivars (Özkaynak, Töre and Taşkent) after harvest. Second day germination percentage, final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), shoot length (SL), root length (RL), seedling fresh (SFW) and dry weight (SDW) were measured. The seed vigor tests, electrical conductivity (EC) and accelerated ageing (AA) conducted at 42°C for 48 h were used for distinguishing the vigor of seed colors in forage pea cultivars. The results showed that the final germination percentage was not significantly changed with seed color and cultivar while 2 nd day germination was recorded in cv. Töre and army green seeds. Army green colored seeds germinated faster than brown ones. Among three genotypes, cv. Töre had the highest final germination percentage, shoot length, seedling fresh and dry weights, and the earlier time to germination. There were significant differences among seed colors and army green and green seeds produced more vigorous seedling than brown seeds. The EC and AA tests confirmed that vigorous germination and seedling growth were obtained from green colored seeds in forage pea. Lower EC values and higher germination performance in AA test were recorded in army green and green seeds. It was concluded that the forage pea seeds after harvest should be sorted for seed color and removing of brown seeds may be beneficial for improving seeds quality for their high seed vigor and seedling growth ability.