Test of electrical conductivity in seeds of Senna siamea (Lam.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby

Abstract

Evaluation of seed vigor has been an important tool for the seed quality control program, and the electrical conductivity test is an important step of the evaluation process. This research aimed to study the different procedures to access the electrical conductivity test for the cassia-do-sião seeds in order to establish an accurate protocol for the test. A total of three seeds were analyzed. The following tests were carried out: germination, first count of germination, speed of emergence index and electrical conductivity (EC). Different volumes temperature (20; 25 and 30 oC), and time of soaking (6; 12; 18; 24; 30 and 36 hours) were studied for the electrical conductivity test. Regarding seed vigor it was observed that seed time of soaking might be completed in 6 hours and that 30 oC was the most favorable temperature. Analysis of data revealed a pool of 50 seeds soaked in 75 mL of water for 6 hours, at 30 oC, to be the most favorable condition to determine the physiological quality for the cassia-do-sião seeds. Lot 3 was the best physiological quality; Lot 2 presented less vigor seeds, and Lot 1 was the intermediate.