Tetrazolium (TZ) Test
Duration: 2 days
The tetrazolium test gives an estimate of warm germination results within two days. It can also be used for small-seeded species in determining the viability of ungerminated seed at the end of the germination period.
Tetrazolium (TZ) Test
Test Details
For the stand-alone TZ test two reps of 100 seeds are placed between moist brown paper towels or blotter paper overnight. The next day the seeds are pierced, cut in half, or left whole (depending on species) and placed in TZ solution. After a short period of time, the seeds are examined for staining patterns. The tetrazolium test can also be used to detect frost damage, estimate vigor, or diagnose seed lot problems.