Evaluation of seed health and germination capacity of selected hemp varieties

Introduction: Increase in hemp acreage and change in climatic conditions cause the development of diseases. Some fungal pathogens can reduce the yield and quality of seeds used for hemp oil production. Objective: To assess seed quality, the germination capacity and seed health of four Polish varieties of hemp were compared. Methods: Germination capacity was assessed on 300 seeds of each variety using the blotter method, following International Seed Testing Association rules (ISTA). For health test agar plate method was applied, using 200 seeds of each hemp variety. Results: 21 species and genera of pathogenic fungi were isolated from hemp seeds. Some of them were toxin-forming species. Conclusion: With regard to the health of consumers, special care should be taken in the assessment of the microbiological purity of seeds intended for oil pressing.