Prediction of the coefficient of variation of carrot embryo length from a germination test

The value of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) germination test in estimating levels of variation in embryo length between carrot seed lots was examined. For the two groups of seed lots used, the coefficient of variation (c.v.) of embryo length ranged from 16 to 50%. The c.v. of embryo length was negatively correlated with the numbers of normal seedlings counted after 7 days of germination at 20°C, r_s= - 0·72 D.F. 12 and - 0·82, D.F. 15 for the two groups of seed lots used. Provided the relationship between these two characters is established for each laboratory, it is likely to be useful in identifying seed lots of potentially low c.v. of embryo length.