Comparative analysis of accelerated aging and cold testing for evaluating seed quality in brassica species

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of accelerated aging and cold testing in determining seed quality, vigor, and longevity in six Brassica varieties: PM-28, M-27, TS-36, TS-38, Potsangbam Yella, and Kakching Yella. By assessing germination rates, vigor indices, and physiological integrity under varying aging conditions, the study identifies varietal resilience critical for optimizing seed storage and crop productivity in oilseed species prone to quality loss. Results showed that aged seeds subjected to accelerated aging experienced significant declines in germination and vigor, particularly in TS-38 and Potsangbam Yella, indicating susceptibility to deterioration. Fresh seeds of PM-28 and TS-36 maintained germination rates above 90%, indicating robustness. Cold testing highlighted M-27 and PM-28 as resilient under low-temperature stress. These findings demonstrate that combining accelerated aging and cold tests provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating seed quality, supporting the selection of high-vigor seed lots for diverse environmental conditions.