Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

Which factor is usually least important when considering seed quality?

1. Germination rate

2. Seed age

3. Seed size

4. Purity

The correct answer is: Seed size

When evaluating seed quality, factors such as germination rate, seed age, and purity hold significant importance due to their direct impact on the establishment and performance of crops. Germination rate indicates the potential of seeds to develop into healthy plants, while seed age can affect viability and vigor, with older seeds generally exhibiting lower germination potential and energy. Purity is also crucial, as it reflects the proportion of the desired species in a seed lot, which is essential for ensuring that cultivars are true to type and free from unwanted weed seeds or contaminants that can negatively affect crop outcomes. While seed size can influence aspects such as planting depth and emergence speed, it is usually the least significant factor compared to the others mentioned. Seed size may vary based on environmental factors, genetics, or crop type, and while it can have some influence on the growth of certain crops, it does not directly affect the fundamental characteristics of seed viability or purity in the way that germination rate, seed age, and purity do. Therefore, when prioritizing seed quality considerations, seed size carries less weight relative to these other critical factors.