Delayed luminescence of air-dry soybean seeds as a measure of their viability

Delayed luminescence (DL) excited by visible light has been observed in air-dry seeds of various plants. Changes in seeds of soybeans ( Glycine max L. W.) which occur during natural and accelerated aging were reflected in subsequent loss of vigor and DL increase. The increase of the luminescence is caused by the changes in seed biopolymers, leading to a decrease in their ability to take up water. The method makes it possible to measure DL from a single seed. With aging, the DL was shifted toward higher intensities and there was greater variability. By monitoring the DL of seeds it may be possible to evaluate their quality and storage capability.