Seed Viability Testing Guide for Common Wetland Plant Species

Authors

Rae Robinson, Utah State UniversityFollow
Sandra E. Johnston
Elana Feldman, Utah State UniversityFollow
Maddie Houde
Samantha R. Kurkowski
Amanda Mast
Jes V. Braun, Utah State UniversityFollow
Karin M. Kettenring, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Guide/Manual

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

2-15-2024

First Page

1

Last Page

62

Abstract

Seeds are used in many aspects of plant research as well as in applications such as ecosystem restoration. However, not all seeds are living (i.e., viable). To successfully work with seeds, it is essential to know how many seeds are viable. Seed viability can be assessed through a few different avenues, such as a basic cut test (i.e., is the embryo fully developed), germination assays, x-ray imaging, or the most common—a tetrazolium (TZ) test. This document focuses on best practices for TZ testing for a wide array of common wetland species that have been the focus of research and restoration in the Intermountain West.

Recommended Citation

Robinson, R., Johnston, S. E., Feldman, E. V., Houde, M., Kurkowski, S. R., Mast, A., Braun, J. V., & Kettenring, K. M. (2024). Seed viability testing guide for common wetland plant species. Utah State University’s Wetland Ecology and Restoration Laboratory and Utah State University Extension.