Why do we test seeds for vigor? This question is seldom asked because there is an intuitive answer:
“Because we have to know how they will perform in the field.” But there are even more subtle rationales
for testing seed vigor than this. We test seeds because “a seed lot is composed of a population of
individual seed units; each possessing its own distinct capability to produce a mature plant. A seed
vigor test is an analytical procedure to evaluate seed vigor under standardized conditions. It enables a
seed producer to determine and compare the vigor of a seed lot before it is marketed” (McDonald 1988).
Thus, we test seeds not only to determine how they will perform before they are actually planted, but
also to provide exact standards for testing in order that the results are reproducible among laboratories
testing the same seed lot; a process known as standardization.
General agreement exists that seed vigor testing is a needed component of seed quality analysis. Yet, this
information is still neither required nor found on a seed label. The purpose of this presentation is to
focus on those factors limiting standardization of vigor tests and to identify areas that may speed this
process. The development of useful seed vigor tests likely will take many years before completion. Not
to be forgotten is the fact that the first seed legislation was passed in Berne, Switzerland in 1816. Over
100 years elapsed before the first Rules for Testing Seeds were published. The evolution of seed vigor
testing too has encountered many social and technical challenges that have delayed its acceptance.