Abstract

CASEIRO, Roseli Fátima  and  MARCOS FILHO, Júlio. Alternative methods of the cold test for evaluation of corn seed vigor. Sci. agric. [online]. 2000, vol.57, n.3, pp. 459-466. ISSN 0103-9016.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-90162000000300014.

This research was conducted with the objective of comparing different procedures of the cold test to evaluate corn seed vigor. Two cultivars (AG 3010 and AG 5011) represented by 5 lots each were used. Seed samples of all lots were submitted to four procedures of the cold test: stacked deep-box (Brazilian traditional method), deep-box disposed side by side, tray with soil and tray with soil + paper towel, in cold chamber at 10°C for seven days followed by germination at 25°C. Those procedures were also compared with germination, accelerated aging and seedling field emergence tests. The cold test in tray exhibited a great level of standardization than the procedure known as deep-box, allowing for more consistent results and a closer relationship to seedling field emergence.

Keywords : Zea mays; seed analysis; physiological quality; cold test; substrate.