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Influence of Seed Size and Density on Germination, Seedling Emergence, and Yield of Grain Sorghum¹

Seed size is highly influential in determining germinability and seedling vigor of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolar L. Moench), but whether this factor is predominate over seed density (i.e. specific gravity) has not been established. A 2-year study was conducted to determine to what extent seed size and density influence germination and subsequent field performance. Large and small seed lots from the same genotype were compared to "more dense" and "less dense" seed lots which were separated using either urea-phosphate or sucrose solutions. The results indicated that seed lots with larger and denser seeds had a higher percent germination. The data also supported the conclusion that a higher percentage of viable seeds could be selected from seed lots with low average germinability by using specific gravity separations. However, the establishment of seedlings, final stands, and grain yields were not a function of size or density when the same number of viable seeds were planted in the field.

Key Words: Seed vigor • Stand establishment • Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

² Associate professors, Dep. of Agronomy, Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583.

Received for publication May 5, 1976.