Various Methods of Assessing Sugar Beet Seed Vigour and Its Impact on the Germination Process, Field Emergence and Sugar Yield

Abstract

During 2012–2015, the seed vigour of 54 commercial sugar beet varieties was evaluated. In addition, correlations among different methods of determining seed vigour and the potential impact of low vigour on the quality traits of seeds and root yield were investigated. The chosen seed vigour indicators were field emergence (early and final count), emergence course in a phytotron under controlled conditions (early and final count, mean time of emergence, emergence uniformity) and germination ability under stress conditions regarding substrate moisture and air temperature. The most effective vigour indicators were field and phytotron emergence (early count), mean time of emergence and germination ability under stress conditions. Final field and phytotron emergence constituted weak indicators of seed vigour. Low seed vigour decreased root yield by 3.2 t/ha (4.8%) compared to high seed vigour. Lower yields were caused by slower and less uniform field emergence.