Crop Physiology Practical: Seed Viability and Moisture Content

Original video: https://youtu.be/YFbNa2doekw

Practical on: 29/10/25

Welcome to the crop physiology practical for the Seed Viability and Seed Moisture Content practical sessions of the Crop Physiology (AGR3301) course! Accurate assessment of seed quality is vital for predicting crop performance and ensuring optimal storage.

We demonstrate and compare three distinct approaches for assessing the seed viability:

1. Tetrazolium (TZ) Test (Chemical/Quick Test): Learn how to use this rapid chemical method to visually confirm active respiration in the embryo. Viable embryos turn red, indicating potential for germination.

2. Paper Towel Method (Conventional Test): We set up the standard germination test using moist paper towels to determine the percentage of normal seedlings that develop under ideal conditions.

3. Hydroponic Establishment (Continuous Monitoring): We incorporate data from the continuous Growth Analysis experiment. The success rate of plants establishing and surviving in the DIY hydroponic box provides a long-term, practical measure of seed viability and early vigour in a controlled, soilless system

Seed Moisture Content (MC): We demonstrate the constant temperature oven drying method to evaluate the moisture content (MC) of maize and bean seeds, a critical factor influencing seed longevity.

1. Low Constant Temperature (105 °C for 16 hours)

2. High Constant Temperature (130 °C for 1 hour)

Keywords: Seed Viability, Seed Moisture Content, Tetrazolium Test, TZ Test, Seed Germination, Seed Storage, AGR3301, Lab Practical, Maize, Bean, Oven Drying Method, Seed Quality.

Location:

Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Fakulti Pertanian, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43000 Seri Kembangan, Selangor

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VePw71hmih6pbHkPA

2.983567621706455, 101.73466120334834

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