The effects of seed vigor on seedling emergence and stand establishment, especially under less favorable environmental conditions, are well documented in the literature. However, additional research is needed to clarify the relationships between seed physiological quality and field plant performance, and this was the main objective of this study. Two pea cultivars, 'Telefone Alta' (indeterminate growth habit) and 'Itapuã' (determinate growth habit) were evaluated, each represented by four seed lots of different physiological potential, stored for eight months under three environmental conditions: uncontrolled laboratory, a dry and cold chamber at 10 ºC and 30% relative humidity, and a controlled environment (20 ºC and 70% relative humidity); this procedure was adopted to promote natural differences in vigor among the seed lots. After determining germination and vigor (electrical conductivity, accelerated aging, seedling emergence and growth), a field trial was conducted to evaluate stand establishment, plant development and yield. Results showed that pea seed vigor influenced seedling emergence and stand establishment, especially for lower vigor seed lots. In addition, pea seed vigor adversely affected plant development and yield as a consequence of stand reduction. The extent of these effects was proportional to the intensity of the stand reduction.
Pisum sativum; seed vigor; storage; deterioration; yield
