A Rapid Method for Enumeration of Viable Seeds in Soil

Abstract

Soil dispersion in an aqueous solution of sodium hexameta-phosphate and sodium bicarbonate facilitates extraction of seeds by flotation with magnesium sulfate. The percentage viability of [weed] seeds collected in this manner subsequently can be determined with 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride. Extraction of seeds usually is 100% efficient and enumeration of viable seeds via the tetrazolium test is accomplished much more rapidly than with conventional methods.