Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between radicle emergence and normal seedling in mung bean (Vigna radiata) in order to find out the possibility of using radicle emergence as a fast and accurate method for seed vigour evaluation of this species. Seed of 4 varieties of mung bean with different vigour levels (induced by artificial ageing method) were used in this experiment. Each sample was investigated using standard germination test following ISTA rule. Percentage radicle emergence (2 mm in length) or PRE, percentage germination (normal seedling) or PG, speed and uniformity of radicle emergence and normal seedling were evaluated as well as electrical conductivity (EC) was also tested. Correlation and ANOVA analysis, using CRD design, were tested. Results revealed that the seed vigour of Chainat 84-1 was the highest comparing to other varieties and other samples that had low initial seed vigour. The electrical conductivity of seed leachate of this sample was also lower when compared to other samples. Correlation coefficient (R²) of PRE and PG was 59.4%. The electrical conductivity test (EC test) might be used to predict PRE and uniformity of radicle emergence in mung bean because the R² of EC test between PRE and uniformity of radicle emergence were 61.1 and 66.6%, respectively.