Seed lot heterogeneity is often evaluated through the range between germination percentages of four seed samples, considering normal and binomial approximations for calculating the tolerated range (S). In this paper, an exact test for the germination count range (R) is derived based on the hypergeometric and the binomial probability model for germination count. Through Monte Carlo simulations, the empirical distribution of R is built to evaluate the quantiles of the exact distributions. Moreover, a power analysis is performed by simulation. Sample size and germination rate effects are evaluated. In lots with a high germination rate, the proposed test based on the hypergeometric model is about 20% more powerful than the test based on the S-value. A table containing the critical values is presented and recommended to be used in off-range heterogeneity testing.

In the present study a combination of BLAST mediated homology search and 3′ RACE was utilized to isolate the full-length gene of Eleusine coracana alpha prolamin (Ec-α-prolamin) from finger millet. Phylogenetic analysis of Ec-α-prolamin along with related prolamin genes of different cereals and millets shows the clustering of Ec-α-prolamin in a separate group. Secondary structure prediction reveals 59.4% alpha helix structure, a structural hallmark of Ec-α-prolamin. Besides this, the protein also possesses a balanced proportion of all essential amino acids. Expression analysis based on qPCR shows increased accumulation of α-prolamin transcripts in developing grains of finger millet until attainment of seed maturity. Western blotting, using a monospecific anti-α-prolamin antibody, further confirmed the expression of a 22 kDa band in the S3 and S4 stages of developing spikes. The heterologous expression of isolated full-length Ec-α-prolamin could be potentially harnessed for making nutritionally enhanced functional food products and value-added industrial products.