Studies on the Rapid Methods for Evaluating Seed Vigor of sweet Corn
Since the germination test is still the main method for evaluating seed vigor of sweet corn, it is necessary to study the rapid methods for evaluating their vigor. First, two vigor levels of 9 super sweet corn and 9 sugar enhanced corn hybrids were distinguished by accelerated ageing treatment. Next, their vigor statuses were tested by rapid methods such as electrical conductivity (EC), soluble sugar (SS), volatile aldehyde (VA), dehydrogenase activity (DA) and Q2 oxygen sensing technology. Correlation relationship was analyzed between the above tested values and vigor performances. The results showed that EC, SS, VA, DA, oxygen metabolism rate (OMR), critical oxygen pressure (COP) were all suitable to evaluate seed vigor of sweet corn. Furthermore, VA was optimal for evaluating seed vigor of super sweet corn. DA was optimal for evaluating sugar enhanced corn.
Correlation of Field Emergence Rate and Seed Vigor Criteria in Barley Cultivars 1
Thirteen seed vigor parameters were compared in two 2-row and four 6-row barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars to determine selection criteria for predicting rate of field emergence. The materials also represented four spring and two winter types. Seed weight, 3-day seedling adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, 3-day seedling total adenosine phosphates (TAP), 5-day endosperm α-amylase activity, 3-day endosperm c~-amylase activity, 4-hour hydrated embryo TAP, 4-day hydrated embryo ATP content, 7-day seedling dry weight, 3-day seedling dry weight, and 3-day seedling shoot length were all significantly correlated (P≤0.01) with field emergence rate but in decreasing order, respectively. Based on the results of stepwise multiple regression analysis, it appeared that seed weight, 3-day seedling ATP content, TAP content of hydrated embryo, and 7-day seedling dry weight would be good seed vigor indices for predicting field emergence rate.
Phthalate migration from packaging materials into food
The content of dibutylphthalate (DBP) and di- (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in samples of packages used for packaging meat productsand the phthalate migration from packaging materials to meat products were studied. Five samples of textile packaging intended for cooked meat production were analysed as well asthe final product which was filled into packages. Subsequently an analysis was carried out (after 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of storage) of the finished meat products stored over the course of their intended shelf life at ambient temperature of 4 °C. Determination of phthalates was conducted by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with UV detection at a wavelength of 224 nm on the Zorbax Eclipse C8 column. The content of phthalates in the final product was below the limit of quantification. According to the Regulation of the Commission (EU) No. 10/2011, the specific migration limit of products intended for food contact is 1.5 mg.kg -1 of food simulant for DEHP and 0.3 mg.kg -1 for DBP. After filling and the first day of storage of the meat product, four package samples release the said phthalates to an extent that it exceeded the limits of the Commission Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011. Already after the seventh day of storage, all samples (with the exception of sample 2 for DBP) exceeded SMLs. Monitoring of each phthalate migration in individual samples during storage (for 28 days) produced a rising tendency.  In sample 1, DBP increased from 0.40 to 3.37 mg.kg -1 , while DEHP from 0.58 to 14.66 mg.kg -1 . In sample 2, DBP increased from ≤0.2 mg.kg -1 to 4.34 mg.kg -1 , whileDEHP from 1.46 to 28.20 mg.kg -1 . In sample 3, DBP increased from ≤0.2 mg.kg -1 to  8.27 mg.kg -1 , while DEHP from 1.67 to 14.84 mg.kg -1 . In sample 4, DBP increased from 0.27 to 6.12 mg.kg -1 , while DEHP from 2.37 to 13.22 mg.kg -1 . In sample 5, DBP increased from 0.32 to 11.11 mg.kg -1 , while DEHP from 1.91 to 15.42 mg.kg -1 .