| A series of tests were conducted using twenty cotton seed lots that varied in quality. These twenty cotton seed lots came from six different genotypes grown throughout the southern United States to provide variability in vigor levels. Standardized tests were conducted to provide data for comparison with field emergence. Laboratory tests included the standard germination, accelerated aging, laboratory emergence, seedling growth rate, and radicle protrusion. Field average was conducted on the Plant Science Research Center, Mississippi Agricultural and Experiment Station (MAFES) located at Mississippi State, Mississippi.;Results were compiled and grouped by vigor level categories. Vigor levels were classed as high, medium, and low and grouped according to the results of the standard germination test. High vigor level cotton seed were 90% germination or better; medium vigor level seed were between 89%-80%; and low vigor level seed were 79% and below in germination. After laboratory and field evaluations were completed, correlation analyses were run to determine which laboratory test best predicted final field establishment.;The data indicated that the laboratory emergence test was the best indicator of cotton seed field establishment. The standard germination test was also shown to be acceptable in predicting field establishment. Also, the radicle protrusion test predicted field emergence as well as or better than the accelerated aging test. In general, the best predictor of field emergence is probably a combination of vigor tests evaluated together which together provide an assessment of a seed lot's quality and performance potential. |
