Electrical conductivity has been recommended for evaluating seed vigor in peas and other species although research is still needed to improve procedures. The objective of this study was to develop methodology for the electrical conductivity test to evaluate the physiological potential of salad rocket (Eruca sativa L.) seeds. Five seed lots were used for each of two cultivars of salad rocket, "Cultivada" and "Folha Larga". The following tests were made: standard germination, first germination count, accelerated ageing, field emergence and variations in the electrical conductivity test (25 or 50 seeds imbibed in 25 mL, 50 mL or 75 mL of water; at 20 ºC, 25 ºC and 30 ºC; for 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hours). The results confirmed the efficiency of the electrical conductivity test to evaluate salad rocket seed vigor. The best combination was 50 seeds immersed in 50 mL of deionized water at 25 ºC, for eight hours.
Eruca sativa; physiological potential; vigor; seed quality
