Tests of controlled deterioration and accelerated ageing to assess vigour in the wild radish

The aim of this study was to verify the efficiency of different procedures for carrying out tests of accelerated ageing and controlled deterioration with a view to evaluate the physiological quality of wild radish seeds (Raphanus Sativus L. var oleiferus). Four lots of wild radish seed, cultivar CATI AL 1000, were first characterized by tests of germination, first count, length and mass of seedlings, electrical conductivity, emergence in sand and soil, and speed-emergence index for sand and soil. They were then submitted to tests of accelerated ageing, both with and without a saturated NaCl solution, at temperatures of 42 and 45 degrees C for 36 and 48 hours, and to tests of controlled deterioration with seeds pre-soaked to 15, 20 and 25%, at temperatures of 42 and 45 degrees C for 36 and 48 hours. The test for accelerated ageing (with a NaCl solution at a temperature of 45 degrees C for 36 hours) and that for controlled deterioration (with 20% pre-soaked seeds at a temperature of 45 degrees C for 36 hours), as well as the test for seedling emergence in soil, were efficient for the classification of seed lots of the wild radish at four different levels of vigour.