ABSTRACT
Objective To improve the 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) solution method for measuring the viability of Cistanche deserticola seeds and investigate the change in viability during storage at 5 ℃. Methods The effect of the testa,TTC concentration,sodium hypochlorite concentration (NaClO),and staining time were studied,and seed viability during storage at 5 ℃ was measured with the improved method. Results Seeds were kept for 48 h in 0.5% TTC solution at 40 ℃,and then for 2 h in 0.2% NaClO solution;Seed viability was measured under a stereomicroscope. Storing seeds of C. deserticola for 1 to 2 years at 5 ℃ had no significant effects on their viability. However,the percentage of seeds with high viability was increased with the extension of the storage time at 5 ℃. Conclusion A convenient and rapid method for measuring the viability of C. deserticola seeds is developed. Storing C. deserticola seeds at 5 ℃ could improve their viability