Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) is a crop of great commercial interest, from whose main product, the seed, is extracted the bixina and norbixina coloring, of great interest in the national and international market. The methodology of the accelerated aging test to achieve the physiological quality of annatto seeds was evaluated. The initial quality of the seeds was obtained through the tests of moisture content, germination, germination first count and seedling emergence in greenhouse. The accelerated aging test was conducted at 41ºC during 48, 72 and 96 hours, using the traditional and NaCl saturated solution. The research was conducted in a completely randomized design. The saturated salt accelerated aging test was efficient for vigor evaluation of annatto seeds, and the period of 72 hours at 41ºC was considered as the most adequate procedure to evaluate seed vigor levels.
Bixa orellana; vigor; germination
