This handbook is made up of 117 pages, 1 illustration and 9 tables.
 
Client requests for vigour testing continue to increase, and vigour tests for an increasing number of species are required by seed testing laboratories. This Handbook has been completely revised and reformatted to reflect the advances made in our understanding of seed vigour and the refinements in test methods designed to improve uniformity and international applicability.

Recent refinements to the conductivity and accelerated ageing tests have allowed the Vigour Test Committee to place them into a 'recommended test' category in this Handbook. All other tests remain in the 'suggested test' category. Adherence to the procedures described for each test will enhance the goals of achieving international standardization among seed testing laboratories, and uniformity in seed vigour testing.