Electrical conductivity test in soybean seeds with reduced imbibition period

The search for vigor tests that offer fast and reliable information about the physiological potential of seeds is fundamental in quality control. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different temperatures associated with the reduction of soybean imbibition period in the electrical conductivity test. Seven seed lots of the cultivar TMG 7062 IPRO were used in this assessment. For the initial characterization of the lots, we determined the water content, the first and the final count of the germination test, the emergence, the accelerated aging, and the traditional electrical conductivity. The other method used for the electrical conductivity test consisted of 20 replicates of 10 seeds which were placed in plastic cups with 25ml of deionized water, and soaked in 10 min, 30 min, 60 min, and 120 min at temperatures of 30oC, 35oC, 40oC, and 45oC. The experimental design was completely randomized. We were able to reduce the imbibition period since its results were similar to those of the traditional methodology. The electrical conductivity test performed using the 30 minutes imbibition period at temperatures of 30oC or 35oC provides consistent information that allows the identification of lots of soybean seeds with different levels of vigor.