Final germination percentage (FGP), germination rate, germination
uniformity, radicle and plumule length and seed vigor were
recorded to evaluate germination performance. Daily germination
percentage was recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. Germination
rate (T50) was defined as days needed to reach 50% of
FGP. Germination uniformity (T10–90) was defined as days needed
for 10% of FGP to 90% of FGP. Germination was defined as protrusion
of a visible radicle to 1 mm. Radicle and plumule length were measured
at the end of each experiment (15 days). The vigor index (VI)
was calculated as the product of seedling dry weight by germination
percentage (ISTA, 1996).