Suitability of the electrical conductivity test and antioxidant enzyme activity to assess the vigor of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) seeds

Adapting methodologies that enable the assessment of lentil seed vigor is of utmost importance to ensure the marketing of lots with outstanding field performance. This study aimed to define the appropriate conditions for conducting the electrical conductivity test for lot classification according to vigor and assess whether the activity of antioxidant enzymes is related to the physiological potential of lentil seeds. For this, seeds from seven lots of the cultivar Silvina were subjected to different tests to characterize their initial quality, and the results were compared with those obtained in the electrical conductivity test and enzyme activity. Four soaking periods (4, 8, 12, and 24 h) associated with three water volumes (75, 100, and 150 mL) at 25 degrees C were used to assess electrical conductivity. The SOD, CAT, and APX enzymes were also assessed. The electrical conductivity test and enzyme activity were efficient in assessing the physiological potential with information related to other vigor tests. The electrical conductivity test conducted with 50 seeds immersed in 75 mL of water at 25 degrees C for 24 h allowed the separation of lots into vigor levels. The activity of CAT, SOD, and APX enzymes can be related to the physiological potential of lentil seeds.