Viability rules
Viability rules define the parameters and protocols for seed viability assessments. Each rule has a unique name, category, number of replicates, and number of seeds per replicate. The number of replicates and seeds per replicate are especially important, because they generate the records that capture the outcomes of the testing observations, such as the counts of seeds that have germinated versus those that have not.
Viability rules also contain additional information that describes the testing protocol. Most of the form fields are text fields, so you can describe procedures, intervals, and the environmental conditions needed for the tests. The fields defining the protocol include: Count Regime Days, Substrata, Lighting, Moisture, Prechill, Temperature Range, Number of Replicates, Seeds per Replicate, Requirements, and Note.
Whenever you create a new inventory test, you must select a viability rule to complete the Inventory viability rule field in the form. To ensure clarity and consistency, adopt a meaningful naming convention for your genebank's rules. The name should hint at how the rule is used, such as the crop it typically applies to.
Adding a new viability rule
To add a new rule, open the Seed viability menu and select the Viability rules option to list the existing rules. When no rows are selected, the Add button appears at the bottom right of the screen. Click it to add a new rule.
Completing the viability rule form
When viewing the list of viability rules, clicking the Add button displays the Add inventory viability rule form. The first few fields are essential, because they define the name of the rule, the number of replicates, and the number of seeds per replicate. Completing the remaining text fields is also important for documenting the specific viability test conditions. Make sure the text sufficiently describes the testing environment.
Editing or deleting existing viability rules
To edit or remove existing viability rules, open the Seed viability menu and select the Viability rules option in the left menu. After selecting one or more rules from the list, click the bottom action button and select Edit or Remove as needed.
It is recommended not to remove viability rules that have been used in previous viability tests. These rules provide historical context and document the testing protocol that was followed. Likewise, if a change to a protocol is necessary, add a new rule rather than edit an existing rule that has already been used for earlier viability tests.
