Unveiling stress response: vigor stratification through controlled deterioration test

Abstract

Vigor tests are essential in determining seed quality, providing crucial data for its management. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the controlled deterioration test in assessing the quality of Citrullus lanatus (Thumb.) Matsum & Nakai seed lots. Four lots of the Crimson Sweet cultivar were used, following a 4 x 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experimental design (four lots, two temperatures, two seed moisture levels, and two exposure times) with four replications per treatment. The lots were initially characterized for germination, first germination count, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, field emergence, and emergence speed index. For the controlled deterioration test, seeds were adjusted to moisture contents of 18% and 24% and subjected to a water bath at temperatures of 41°C and 45°C, with exposure times of 48 and 72 hours. The results indicated that the controlled deterioration test was effective in assessing the quality of Citrullus lanatus seed lots. Notably, the most effective combinations for vigor assessment were those where the seeds were subjected to a moisture content of 18%, along with temperatures of 41°C or 45°C, for a period of 48 hours. The results highlight the relevance of the controlled deterioration test in reliably evaluating watermelon seed quality, especially when performed under specific moisture and temperature conditions, enabling appropriate decisions in seed lot management.