Evaluation of the Emergence Force Exerted by Seedlings of Small Seeded Legumes Using Probit Analysis1

Abstract

Synopsis: A technique is reported for measuring the emergence force exerted by small seeded species. Germinating seedlings were subjected to the vertical force of weighted glass rods while being restrained laterally by glass tubing. Substantial movement of the rod was recorded as evidence that the seedling exerted a force equal to the weight of the rod. Results were analyzed by the method of probits, and an illustration is presented of the estimation of the median emergence force, a population parameter. The emergence force is very closely associated with the seed weight of the four species of Leguminosae tested.