Seed maturity is no longer a guess

摘要

The use of vigorous and healthy seeds is an essential start for all commercial crop production, so seed quality is of utmost importance. The seeds are tested for their germination capacity and the absence of pathogens. The germination capacity is, amongst others, determined by the ripeness of the seed. However, this is very difficult to identify and often the optimal harvesting time is only a guess. Harvesting too early results in immature seed and harvesting too late means a loss of seed. A new method makes it possible to measure the maturity of seed and to improve on when the harvesting moment is.