title: A real-time, non-invasive, micro-optrode technique for detecting seed viability by using oxygen influx.
abstract: Quantifying seed viability is required for seed bank maintenance. The classical methods for detecting seed viability are time consuming and frequently cause seed damage and unwanted germination. We have established a novel micro-optrode technique (MOT) to measure seed viability in a quick and non-invasive manner by measuring the oxygen influxes of intact seeds, approximately 10 seconds to screen one seed. Here, we used soybean, wheat, and oilseed rape as models to test our method. After 3-hour imbibition, oxygen influxes were recorded in real-time with the total measurement taking less than 5 minutes. The results indicated a significantly positive correlation between oxygen influxes and viability in all 3 seed types. We also established a linear equation between oxygen influxes and seed viability for each seed type. For measurements, seeds were kept in the early imbibition stage without germination. Thus, MOT is a reliable, quick, and low-cost seed viability detecting technique.
authors.affiliation: 1] National Genebank, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China [2].
authors.forename: Xia
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Xin
authors.forename: Yinglang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wan
authors.forename: Wenjun
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Guangkun
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yin
authors.forename: Eric S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: McLamore
authors.forename: Xinxiong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Lu
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture / Q000379:methods*; D029688:Brassica napus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D018525:Germination / Q000502:physiology*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism*; D012639:Seeds / Q000378:metabolism*; D013025:Glycine max / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D014908:Triticum / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen