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- Author or Editor: C. W. Ten Broeck x
Abstract
Individual seedling emergence forces were determined for nine vegetable crops with an universal testing instrument (Model TTCM Instron). The seed energy content also was calculated with an oxygen bomb calorimeter. Seed weights of the different crops were correlated with seedling forces and the seed energy content. The time required to achieve the maximum force varied among crops and the pressure exerted varied from 26 mN for table beet (Beta vulgaris L.) to 3400 mN for snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Equipment was developed to measure the combined seedling emergence forces of 50 seedlings. Snap bean seeds were sized into three groups: 200, 275, and 350 mg per seed. Total force, percent seedling emergence, force per seedling, pressure exerted, and energy content increased in a linear trend as seed size increased. An inverse relation existed between the capacity of seeds to use reserve materials and seed size. Small-sized seeds were more efficient in using reserve materials than large ones.