Enhancing seed quality in the female spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) parent line : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University 

Abstract

Hybrid spinach (Spinacia oleraceae L.) seeds are produced in New Zealand for export. However, some seed lots fail to meet contracted germination standards. Several factors that may be responsible for seed germination and vigour loss in spinach were investigated. The research looked at several variables including: sowing and harvesting times; plant density; plant growth regulator application and flowering manipulation; phenological growth stage; and seed development under high-temperature stress. The scope of the study was further extended to evaluate different methods of breaking spinach seed dormancy and examining the impacts of seed mechanical and physical features on seed germination and vigour. The research outputs included several new techniques for enhancing the germination and vigour of hybrid spinach seed.