The seed vigor is evaluated by traditional tests and more recently by seedling imaging analysis to obtain objective information within a short period of time. The objective of the study was to verify the accuracy of accepted vigor tests in comparison to an automated computer imaging system for seedling evaluation (SVIS®) in order to assess lettuce seed vigor. Six seed lots each of two cultivars (Vanda and Vera) were evaluated in the germination, cold germination (15ºC), seedling emergence and accelerated aging (traditional and saturated salt at 41ºC/48h and 41ºC/72h). The Seed Vigor Imaging System was also utilized, developed by the Ohio State University (SVIS®) that generate numerical values of seedling growth, uniformity and vigor index. The tests were carried out in five evaluation times during a 12-month storage period. The results indicated that saturated salt accelerated aging at 41ºC/48 or 72 hours and the rate of germination test, are sensitive to detect differences in the physiological potential of lettuce seed lots as well as the seedling growth and root length parameters evaluated by SVIS.
Lactuca sativa; seedling imaging analysis; physiological potential
