Evaluation of the physiological potential of radish seeds (Raphanus sativus L.)

Author(s)

Virgínia Arantes Ferreira Carpi

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
• Defense date: 2005-08-12

Examining board members

Julio Marcos Filho; Denise Cunha Fernandes dos Santos Dias; Ana Dionisia da Luz Coelho Novembre

• Advisor: Julio Marcos Filho

Abstract

The increase in Brazilian production seeds has contributed to reduce the import of vegetable seeds mainly by international companies. The commercial value and the preferential use of hybrids instead of open pollinated cultivars has justified the demand for high quality seeds. In this context, this research was conducted with the objective to study the efficacy of different methods to evaluate the physiological potential of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seeds. Three cultivars were evaluated: Siculo Giant (four lots), Comet (three lots) and Saxa (two lots). Seed viability and vigor seed lots were determined by germination, germination first count, accelerated aging, controlled deterioration, electrical conductivity, potassium leachate and seedling emergence tests, including alternative procedures for the accelerated aging, controlled deterioration, electrical conductivity and potassium leachate tests. It was concluded that traditional accelerated aging (48 hours/41ºC, was sensitive to identify different levels of physiological potential in the studied lots. The electrical conductivity and potassium leachate are promising options for vigor testing of radish seeds, but research is still necessary to define the most effective procedures to perform these tests. (AU)