Envelhecimento acelerado em sementes de alface

Abstract

The objective was to adapt the methodology of the accelerated aging test to evaluate the physiological potential of seeds of four lots of lettuce genotypes 'Babá de verão', 'Tainá' and 'Vera' applying the traditional method and using a saturated NaCl solution. So, the seeds were subjected to determination of water content, seed germination and vigor (first count, electrical conductivity, speed emergency index, emergency tray) including the accelerated aging test conducted in periods of 24, 48, 72 hours at 41°C with and without saturated solution of NaCl. The experiment was conducted in a randomized design with four replications. The accelerated aging traditional and saturated solution of NaCl by 72h was more sensitive to stratify the lots in vigor levels. Therefore, accelerated aging of seeds of lettuce should be made using the period of 72h and can be accomplished either by the traditional method and by the saturated NaCl solution method.