Physiological quality of popcorn seeds assessed by the accelerated aging test

Abstract

Despite the insufficient internal supply of popcorn kernel cultivars, the Brazilian production is continuously increasing. Therefore, searching for tests that offer fast results and reliable information on the physiological potential of the seeds is very important. The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of the accelerated aging test, by using different times and exposure temperatures, for the evaluation of the physiological quality of popcorn seed lots. Popcorn seeds from three lots of the hybrid AP 8203 were used. For the initial characterization of the lots, the following tests were conducted: seed moisture content, first and final germination count, and field emergence. The accelerated aging test was performed in a 3x4x2 factorial scheme. After aging, the seeds were tested for moisture content, germination, and electrical conductivity. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design. The characteristic vigor was affected during aging, as evidenced by the increase in the amount of leachate detected by the electrical conductivity test. Seed lot 3 was most vigorous in the aging test conducted for 48 h at 45 °C. The accelerated aging test at 42 ºC for 48 h provides consistent information to differentiate seed lots of popcorn.

Vigor of lentil seeds evaluated by the tests of accelerated aging and controlled deterioration

“…There was a higher reduction in germination observed for the 72 hours period (Table 2). Rocha et al (2018) verified the increment of temperature promotes more drastic effects in germination than the extension of the exposure period to the accelerated aging test, which is confirmed in our study at a temperature of 45 o C.…”

Improving the method for determining the physiological and sanitary potential of Gherkin seeds

“…In addition, Marcos-Filho (2015) emphasized that samples with differences between 1 and 2% in the water content do not jeopardize the results and the tests may proceed. Similar results were verified by Rocha et al (2018) while evaluating physiological quality of popcorn seeds through the accelerated aging test. This happens due to the penetration velocity of water being controlled basically by the initial content of water in the seed, by the absorption rate and principally by the environment temperature (Zucchi et al 2018;Silva et al 2019).…”

“…Germination test is the official and standard method to determine the physiological quality of seed lots. However, is not always correlated with results in the field and it can be a time-consuming operation, thus generating a demand to develop faster tests which may be consistently correlated with the real emergence of seed lots under field conditions (Rocha et al 2018; Leite et al 2019).…”

Antioxidant activity and physiological performance of popcorn seed after saline stress and analysis of seedling images

“…This necessitates the importation of significant volumes of seeds Caixeta, 2017). However, the production is increasing, and it represents an advantageous income source due to the benefit of the product (Rocha et al, 2018;Kavan et al, 2019). This increase is a consequence, at least in part, of the selection, development, and adaptation of imported cultivars to the climatic conditions in the country Caixeta, 2017).…”