Accelerated aging test and antioxidant enzyme activity to assess chickpea seed vigor

Abstract

The chickpea crop has been expanding in Brazil and, thus, the demand for high quality seeds along with it. The aim of this study was to adapt the methodology for evaluation of chickpea seed vigor by the accelerated aging test and to analyze whether antioxidant enzyme activity is related to the physiological potential of these seeds. Seeds from five seed lots of the cv. BRS Aleppo and from four seed lots of the cv. Cícero were initially tested to characterize their physiological potential. The accelerated aging test was conducted by the traditional method (100% RH) and with a saturated NaCl solution (76% RH), both at 41 °C, for 24, 36, 48, and 72 h. The activity of the SOD, CAT, and APX enzymes were also determined. The accelerated aging test using 41 °C/48 h with a saturated NaCl solution is recommended for assessment of chickpea seed vigor. The activity of CAT and APX enzymes may be related to the physiological potential of these seeds, but this is not the case with SOD.