ABSTRACT
The aim of this work was to evaluate mechanical damages in edible black bean seeds ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.), variety "Ouro Negro 1992", caused by controlled mechanical impact by measuring the electrical conductivity of the solution containing the seeds. Three levels of mechanical impact were used in the experiment. The standard germination test was also used to compare the decrease in the seed quality. The results led to conclude that the electrical conductivity of the solution containing the seeds may be correlated to the mechanical damage and therefore, can be used to evaluate mechanical damages in seeds.
Key words:
Edible bean seeds; mechanical damage; electrical conductivity