Research has emphasized the relationship of standard germination test and vigor on seedling emergence and stand establishment. In contrast, information relating seed vigor to plant performance is less available. The controlled deterioration as a means to evaluate the vigor of gherkin seeds was studied. Five lots of cultivar Liso were submitted to tests of germination, greenhouse seedling emergence, accelerated aging with saturated solution of NaCl, electrical conductivity and controlled deterioration (19; 21 and 24% water content, at 45ºC, for 24 and 48 hour periods). The 24% water content/24 h/45ºC combination, for the controlled deterioration test, was efficient to detect vigor differences between gherkin seed lots.
Cucumis anguria; physiological potential; vigor
