Loss of viability correlates with membrane damage in aged turnip (Brassica rapa) seeds

Turnip (Brassica rapa L.) seeds were subjected to accelerated ageing (100% relative humidity, 45°C) for three, five and seven days and seed quality tests of the seed material completed (mean germination percentage, radicle length, germination speed, T₅₀ and leachate conductivity) before and after ageing treatments. The seed showed a gradual and sequential reduction in mean germination percentage and seedling vigour as accelerated ageing duration increased. Time to 50% germination (T₅₀) and seed leachate conductivity also increased with ageing duration. The results suggested that membrane deterioration and a subsequent reduction in germinability, vigour and speed of germination, play a considerable role in turnip seed quality loss.