What differentiates germination from seed vigour in soybeans?

Germination and seed vigour are two distinct concepts in the life cycle of a seed. Germination refers to the process by which a seed develops into a new plant when it is exposed to the right conditions—such as moisture, temperature, and oxygen. This process takes place under favorable conditions for seed growth, making the production of successful plants contingent on these ideal circumstances.

On the other hand, seed vigour is a broader term that encompasses the overall health and robustness of the seed prior to germination. It reflects how well seeds can withstand environmental stresses and can germinate successfully, even under less-than-ideal conditions. Vigour is often assessed through various tests that evaluate a seed's potential for rapid and uniform emergence and the ability to establish healthy plants.

By understanding that germination involves the actual sprouting of the seed under optimal conditions, while vigour speaks to the seed's inherent capacity to perform under varying stresses, the significance of these terms becomes clear. This differentiation is crucial for agronomists and farmers as they choose seeds with the right vigour level for their specific growing conditions to achieve optimal yield.