To assess the efficiency of cold test for bean seed vigor determination, two cultivars were evaluated by three different methodologies under two temperatures (10ºC and 15ºC) and three cold period (3, 5 and 7 days) regimes. The results were compared to the routine seed quality tests, such as the standard germination test, first germination count, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity and emergence in the field. Tests were conducted in two seasons, four months apart. The results obtained using the various assays were compared by Tukey's test. Correlation analysis between the cold test methods and other vigor tests were carried out. Paper rolls without soil for a period of three to five days at 10ºC and 15ºC correlated better with the standard vigor tests, especially the first germination count and field emergence. To assess the efficiency of cold test for bean seed vigor determination, two cultivars were evaluated by three different methodologies under two temperatures (10ºC and 15ºC) and three cold period (3, 5 and 7 days) regimes. The results were compared to the routine seed quality tests, such as the standard germination test, first germination count, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity and emergence in the field. Tests were conducted in two seasons, four months apart. The results obtained using the various assays were compared by Tukey's test. Correlation analysis between the cold test methods and other vigor tests were carried out. Paper rolls without soil for a period of three to five days at 10ºC and 15ºC correlated better with the standard vigor tests, especially the first germination count and field emergence.
Phaseolus vulgaris; physiological quality; seed; cold test; vigor test