Electrical conductivity test with parts of bean seeds

Abstract

The aim of this work was identify the best conditions for bulk and individual electrical conductivity evaluation using bean seed parts at the less time for imbibition as possible. Beans seeds cultivar IAPAR 81 were used in this work, and represented by four lots. Physiological potential was evaluated by germination standard test, first count germination, seedling vigour classification, speed radicle protrusion, and field seedling emergence. Electrical conductivity test was done by bulk and individual procedures, with whole seeds, cotyledons and embryonic axis at different immersion periods. The bulk electrical conductivity test is able to identify vigour differences in bean seed lots after two hours of imbibition using exclusively cotyledons or with whole seeds after five hours of imbibition, and both methodologies are able to classify bean seed lots by vigor levels.