Rapid determination of pepper seed bud rate by towel roll
September 03 08:38:09, 2025
According to the National Agricultural Crop Inspection Regulations (GB3543-83), pepper seed germination is typically conducted using gauze or filter paper. The germination potential is measured within 6 days, while the germination rate is determined after 14 days. However, these traditional methods often face challenges such as difficulty in moisture control, which can lead to seed rot and longer testing periods. To address these issues, the towel roll method has emerged as a more efficient and accurate alternative. It allows for rapid germination testing—germination potential can be assessed in just 4 days, and the germination rate in 7 days—with an accuracy level that stays within a 2% error margin of the standard method. This makes it an ideal choice for indoor seed germination testing, especially for pepper seeds.
The procedure for the towel roll germination method is straightforward and easy to follow:
1. First, prepare clean towels by boiling them for sterilization. After cooling to room temperature, wring them until no water drips out.
2. Select four random samples from the seeds that have passed the cleanliness test. Each sample should contain 100 seeds, totaling 400 seeds.
3. Place four sterilized, damp towels on a flat surface. Arrange the seeds evenly on one half of each towel, ensuring there is at least 1.5 cm of space between each seed. Cover the seeds with the other half of the towel, then insert a bamboo chopstick in the middle. Carefully roll the towel into a tight cylinder and secure it with rubber bands at both ends. Place the rolled towel in a sealed plastic bag, making sure to label it with the date, seed type, and number of repetitions. Repeat this process four times and place all rolls in a germination chamber set at 30°C. No additional water should be added during the entire process.
4. On day 4 and day 7 of the test, check the germination status of the seeds. Record the average number of germinated seeds to determine the germination potential and germination rate for the batch.
When evaluating germination results, it's important to include any broken seedlings along with normal ones, as long as they show signs of root or shoot development. All other evaluation criteria follow the same guidelines as the standard method. This technique not only improves efficiency but also enhances the reliability of seed quality assessment in controlled environments.