Tetrazolium Testing

Tetrazolium testing is a biochemical assay used in seed viability assessment, where seeds are exposed to a colorless tetrazolium salt solution that converts to a red or purple dye in living tissue. This method allows breeders to quickly identify viable versus non-viable seeds without requiring germination trials, making it valuable for seed production programs and genetic resource banking. The test measures cellular respiration activity—living embryos metabolize the compound, while dead tissue remains uncolored. Tetrazolium testing is particularly useful for evaluating seed lots before breeding work, ensuring that germplasm collections maintain accuracy, and for quality control in certified seed operations. Results typically appear within hours to days, depending on seed size and dormancy status, offering faster feedback than traditional germination testing. While non-destructive alterna

Breeders and seed banks use tetrazolium testing to validate seed viability in germplasm collections, confirm successful seed production runs, and assess the impact of storage conditions on genetic stocks. This is especially relevant when maintaining large seed libraries or evaluating seeds of uncertain age or storage history before committing them to breeding crosses.