The vigor tests and germination test are essential components of seed quality control to the seed industry. This research was understaken to study an adequate method to estimate vigor in different seed lots and to predict seedling emergence on spedling trays. Five lots of broccoli `Florida' hybrid seeds were submitted to the following tests: germination; first germination count; primary root emission (48, 56, 72, 80, and 96 hour after sowing); seedling emergence on spedling trays; accelerated aging with water (1 g of seeds maintained at 41ºC during 48 and 72 hours); accelerated aging with salt (the same procedure of last item, but using 40% NaCl solution); electrical conductivity (50 seeds in 25 mL of distilled water at 25 ºC and evaluations after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours imbibition). All the tests presented significant correlation with emergence on spedling trays at 1% probability level. The accelerated aging tests with saturated salt solution during 48 hours and the electrical conductivity after 8 and 24 hours imbibitions showed similar results at emergence on spedling trays. The first germination count, primary root emission after 56 hours and accelerated aging with salt during 72 hours were more efficient than emergence on spedling trays to differentiate vigor among seed lots.
quality control; electrical conductivity; accelerated aging; vegetable
