Teste de envelhecimento acelerado em sementes de pimenta

Abstract

The objective of this study was to adequate the methodology of accelerated aging test for vigor evaluation of pepper seeds. Six seed lots of pepper were tested for germination, germination at first count, cool germination and accelerated aging. For accelerated aging, the following methods were tested: traditional (100% RH) and modified (76% RH), at 38, 42 and 45°C for 48, 72 and 96 hours. The accelerated aging test was efficient for vigor evaluation of pepper seeds producing results similar to the first count and cool germination test, especially when conducted at 38 or 42°C for 96 hours by both traditional and modified methods.