Saturated salt accelerated aging (SSAA) and other vigor tests for vegetable seeds

Obtaining uniform stands of vegetable crops in field or greenhouse environments is often challenging. Successful germination and seedling establishment is usually linked to several important factors, including 1) the use of high vigor seed; 2) planting at proper soil depths; 3) sowing into well prepared seedbeds with calibrated seeders and good seed singulation; 4) field selection and planting date decisions; 5) suitable cultivars; and 6) seed treatments. The emphasis of this presentation will be on seed vigor tests for vegetable seeds, yet all the factors listed above are closely tied to the concept of vigor. Definitions of vigor (Hampton and TeKrony, 1995) mainly describe the associated seedling establishment consequences of seed lots that differ in quality. The objectives of this manuscript are to 1) review the benefits of quality vegetable seeds; 2) discuss the connection of seed production and seed enhancement variables to seed vigor; and 3) summarize current and emerging vigor tests used for vegetable crop species.