Title: Influence of Seed Quality on Soil Microbes and Seed Rots
Abstract: This chapter examines events leading to loss of seed quality, and considers how seed quality influences the activity of both beneficial and harmful soil-inhabiting microorganisms. Seed deterioration ultimately leads to seed death. As seeds deteriorate, vigor is lost much more quickly than viability. The chapter uses lowered seed vigor as the best index of seed deterioration. In soils, nutrient availability is the limiting factor determining microbial growth. Among the plethora of microorganisms in soil, a few fungi have been extensively studied because of their ability to colonize and/or rot seeds. The chapter describes some of the complex microbial interactions that occur within a short time after seeds are planted in soil. Major components of the soil microflora become intensely active after seeds are planted. Seeds efficiently overcome effects of soil fungistasis. Depending on the organisms involved and the intensity of their activity, the probability of good stand is increased or decreased.
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-07-15
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 10
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