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Initial seed viability

Seed conservation guidelines recommend conducting an initial viability test shortly after an accession enters the genebank, typically within 12 months. This baseline measurement is essential for monitoring germplasm quality.

Initial viability is the result of the first germination test conducted on an inventory item before it enters long-term storage. Unlike regular viability tests, which occur periodically throughout the life of a seed lot, initial viability is a static reference point stored on the inventory record.

It consists of:

  • Initial viability percentage: The percentage of viable seeds.
  • Initial viability date: The date the test was conducted.

Initial viability data is stored in SeedInventoryExtra and is tied to a specific inventory item.

How initial viability is recorded​

GGCE supports recording initial viability both manually and automatically.

Manual entry​

Users can manually enter the initial viability result, date, and date format when creating a new seed inventory item or updating an existing one. This is useful for importing historical data or recording tests performed outside GGCE.

Automatic population​

GGCE automatically populates initial viability data based on the first conclusive viability test recorded for an inventory item. This update is triggered when a viability test is saved and follows these rules:

  1. Eligibility: The update only occurs if the initial viability of the inventory is empty.
  2. Completeness: The viability test must be marked as conclusive and include both a result (percentage viable) and a test date.
  3. Timeframe: The test must be completed within a specific window after the inventory's propagation date. By default, this window is 365 days.

If these conditions are met, the test results are applied as the initial viability.

Configuring the timeframe

A system administrator can configure the number of days used to determine if a test is "initial" using the INITIAL_VIABILITY_MAX_DAYS setting. For example, a value of 365 considers any conclusive test completed within one year of the propagation date as an initial viability test.

When an inventory item is split, GGCE copies the associated extra data, including initial viability, from the source inventory to the new split inventories. This preserves the baseline viability information across subdivided lots of the same generation.

Managing initial viability​

Filtering and reporting​

Initial viability is displayed in the inventory grid. In the inventory search or filter options, you can identify items that:

  • Have an initial viability above or below a specific percentage.
  • Were tested within a specific date range.

Reviewing and editing​

To review the initial viability of an inventory item, navigate to the Inventory menu and select the item. Initial viability data is part of the seed-specific inventory details.

If an incorrect test was automatically captured as the initial viability, or if the value needs correction, you can edit these fields in the inventory form.