The relationship between seed vigor and germinability of the seeds in long-term storage was examined using a large number of seed samples including 76 species (32 genera) of Leguminosae and 56 species (29 genera) of Gramineae. Based on the preliminary experiment, the seed vigor as represented by peroxidase activity and TTC reduction was rated into 6 grades from 0 to 5.
　A consistent trend that seeds with high vigor showing the vigor grade of 4 and 3 can give the germination higher than 50% was recognized, irrespective of different species and different genera of Leguminosae as well as Gramineae. Namely, taking all these seeds as a whole, a single qualitative correlation that high vigor is associated with high percent germination was proved to exist.
　 In the germination tests, seeds of most genera were not able to manifest their germinability to a full extent due to hard seed coat, seed dormancy, etc. The scarification treatment and thiourea application for leguminous seeds, and dehusking and hydrogen peroxide application for gramineous seeds were effective in promoting germination in such cases.