The electrical conductivity test used to estimate the physiological potential of broccoli [Brassica oleracea (L.) var. italica Plenk] seeds.

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the electrical conductivity test to estimate the vigor of broccoli seeds considering the effects of the temperature, water content, number of seeds and imbibition period. Nine broccoli seed lots were used, from the cultivars Piracicaba Precoce, Ramoso Santana, Florida and Baron which were submitted to the standard germination test, first germination count, speed of germination index, seedling length, dry matter, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity. The research was carried out in two steps: in the first one the period and the temperature condition were studied, keeping constant the number of seeds (25) and the water volume (25 mL), and after the imbibition periods , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 24 hours were evaluated at 20 and 25 ºC. According to the results the period of 24 hours at 25 ºC was found to be the best. The number of seeds (25, 50 and 75) and the water volume (25 and 50 mL) were after evaluated. The results indicated that 25 seeds in 25 mL of water at 25 ºC for 24 hours was the best combination to evaluate the broccoli seed quality by means of the electrical conductivity test.Additional keywords: vigor tests; seed quality; germination.