Although the beetroot crop is very important, little information is available in the Brazilian literature about seed vigor evaluation of this species. This research was conducted to evaluate the physiological potential of seeds by different tests, comparing their performance with seedling field emergence. Beetroot seeds, cultivar Top Tall Early Wonder from five commercial seedlots, were submitted to germination, first count, speed of germination, accelerated aging (traditional and saturated salt) and seedling field emergence tests. The saturated salt accelerated aging (SSAA) did not reduce the intensity of deterioration, but seed moisture content was maintained at a low level. The traditional and saturated salt accelerated aging, both at 42ºC, were efficient to detect differences in vigor levels among beetroot seed lots.
Beta vulgaris; accelerated aging; physiological potential; seedling emergency
