The germination test does not demonstrate the physiological quality attributes of seeds. The accelerated aging test is conducted in conditions of high temperatures and relative humidities for short time periods and, therefore, studies on using temperatures of 43 to 45 °C and reducing the period of aging deserve to be studied. The objective in this study was to analyze the effects of temperatures and periods of exposure during the accelerated aging test to identify bean seed vigor. The experimental design was of completely randomized blocks with the seeds subjected to five periods of accelerated aging (12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h) and three temperatures (41, 43 and 45 °C). Germination, first count, speed germination index and seedling emergence were evaluated. Seed samples did not differ in the germination test, but showed different quality levels from the accelerated aging test, which should be performed at 41 °C/48 h and 43 °C/24 h. The accelerated aging test can be performed at a higher temperature and for a shorter test period.
Phaseolus vulgaris L.; temperature; germination seed; vigor
