This study was carried out to investigate whether the physiological quality of peanut seeds should be evaluated using the potassium leachate test, which was compared with other physiological quality seed measurements. Two lots of peanut seeds, cultivar Tatu (20 mesh) were submitted to germination test, germination at first count, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity (3 and 24 hours), field seedling emergence, speed of emergence index, seedling dry weight, and seed moisture content. In addition, studies on potassium, calcium and magnesium leachate were carried out with pure seed samples. The amount of potassium leached was evaluated in a flame photometer and calcium and magnesium in an atomic absorption spectrophotometer after 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27 and 30 hours of imbibition at 20ºC. The evaluations of the potassium leachate were promising for the identification of lots with different quality levels.
Arachis hipogaea; vigor; rapid method
