This research was undertaken to study an adequate method to estimate vigor in different seed lots. Five lots of encapsulated tomato seeds of the 'Saladinha'hybrid were submitted to the following tests: germination; first count; root emission (56, 72, 80, and 96 hour after sowing); seedling emergence on seedling trays; accelerated aging with water (1 g seeds maintained at 41°C for 48 and 72 hours, and 100%UR); accelerated aging with salt (the same procedure as the last item, but using 40% NaCl solution and 76%UR); and electrical conductivity (50 seeds in 25 mL of distillated water at 25 °C and evaluations after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours of imbibitions). The germination test, the determination of root emission (56, 72, and 96 hours), and electrical conductivity tests (2, 4, 6, and 8 hours) presented significant correlation with seedling emergence on seedling trays. The electrical conductivity after 2 and 8 hours imbibition showed similar results to seedling emergence on seedling trays. The primary root emission (after 56, 72, and 96 hours) was shown to be promising for evaluation of tomato encapsulated tomato seed vigor.
Lycopersicon lycopersicum; quality control; vegetable
