The objective of this research was to examine the efficacy of the accelerated aging test for vigor evaluation of lentil seeds. Four seed lots of the Silvina cultivar were utilized. The initial quality of each seed lot was evaluated by seed moisture content germination at first count, speed of protrusion of primary root, and field seedling emergence. The accelerated aging test was conducted at 41ºC for periods of 24, 48 and 72 hours, by the traditional and NaCl saturated solution. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design. The saturated salt accelerated aging was efficient for vigor evaluation of lentil seeds, and the period of 48 hours at 41ºC was considered as the most adequate procedure to assess seed vigor levels.
Lens culinaris; vigor; physiological quality
