Avaliação do vigor de sementes de alface pelo teste de envelhecimento acelerado

Abstract

The physiological seeds potential covers a set of skills, which allows us to estimate the ability of a seed lot adequately express their vital functions after sowing. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of different vigor tests to determine the physiological quality of lettuce seeds lots, to improve its use as a quality testing and verify its relationship with the seedling emergence in the field. The essay was carried out at the “Brasil Sementes e Tecnologia Ltda.” and Didactic Laboratory of Seed Analysis "Flávio Farias Rocha", both located in the Rio Grande do Sul State. We used six lettuce seeds lots. Seeds had a water content of 6.4% and an average germination of 98%. The tests performed were the first count of germination, standard germination test, electrical conductivity, accelerated aging test, controlled deterioration, and seedlings emergence in the field. We used a completely randomized design with four replications, and data from each test were analyzed by analysis of variance and standard error with a means comparison by Tukey test at 1 and at 5% of error probability and simple linear Pearson correlation test for the response variables. It is concluded the accelerated aging test with saturated saline solution use at 41 ° C for periods of 24 and 48 hours is efficient in classifying lettuce seeds lots in vigor levels. The conditions of controlled deterioration tested offers similar results to the seedling emergence in the field. Vigor measured by the electrical conductivity test and accelerated aging test with saline solution correlates better with the seedling emergence in the field.