Comparative analysis on the germinability Hordeum distichon L. malting quality.

The objective was to compare analytical methods to evaluate the germination of grains of two varieties of Hordeum distichon L, certified and Creole, grown in municipalities Apan, Hidalgo, Mexico.They were compared with other colorimetric technologies such as those reported in the standard with tetrazolium, based on enzyme activity, where a reduction reaction occurs in live cells producing a red compound (triphenylformazan) that indicates the presence of respiratory activity and that the tissue is viable. Another technique tested was the colorimetric indigo carmine, reported by other authors, which, in contrast, produces coloration in the non-viable seed parts. Natural germination in water was also compared. Results demonstrated that the colorimetric tests were better predictors of germinative power and the test with indigo carmine is more feasible and cheaper than the test using tetrazolium.