Biochemical tests of membrane integrity on evaluation of vigor of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. seeds

Abstract

Biochemical tests based on membrane integrity are important in selecting the physiological potential of seed lots. Thus, the objective of this work was to adapt methodologies of biochemical tests of electric conduction and potassium leaching in the evaluation of the vigor of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia seeds. Two quantity of seeds (25 and 50), two volumes of deionized water (50 and 75 mL), two temperatures (25 and 30 °C) and five soaking periods (4, 8, 12, 16 and 24-h) where used for the validity of electrical conductivity test. The potash leaching test was carried out with five seed lots in the periods of 4 and 8-h of soaking under a temperature of 30 °C. The biochemical tests of electric conduction and potassium leaching were efficient in the evaluation of vigor of M. caesalpiniifolia seeds, when 25 seeds were immersed in 50 mL of deionized water, during a period of 8-h at 30 °C.