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Abstract
The laboratory germination of > 30% of certified seed lots of New Zealand wheat cultivars with Mexican semi-dwarf parentage (cultivars Karamu, Rongotea, Oroua, and Tiritea) was significantly reduced in 1980, 1981, and 1982 because of the development of plumular abnormalities. Possible factors contributing to the production of these abnormal seedlings were examined. It is known that mechanical damage to seed during harvest and the application of seed treatment fungicides to such damaged seed can result in the production of abnormal seedlings. However, application of fungicide by hand to field-dressed seed lots from these harvests did not reduce germination. An investigation of seed store practice demonstrated that mechanical damage to the seed had occurred during seed cleaning, and this damage was linked to the use of a device designed to remove attached glumes. Bypassing this device produced undamaged seed. In 1983, after seed merchants were made aware of this finding, 87% of all certified seed lots had a germination of ⩾ 90%.