Accelerated Aging Test to Determine the Vigor of Mungbean Seeds

The use of good quality seeds is fundamental for proper establishment of a crop. In this way, for more precise determination of seed quality, vigor tests are performed in addition to the germination test. These tests enable the selection of the best lots for commercialization and planting. This study evaluates the effects of temperature and exposure times of the accelerated aging test for vigor classification of mungbean seed lots. Seeds of the mungbean cultivar Esmeralda were used, being obtained from four cultivated plots at the State University of Goiás (UEG), Ipameri Câmpus, in the 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017 harvests. The lots were initially characterized using germination and vigor tests (first germination count, germination rate index, seedling length, and seedling fresh and dry weight). The accelerated aging test was conducted with a completely randomized experimental design, in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement consisting of two temperatures (40 and 42 °C) and four times (24, 48, 72, and 96 hours), with four replicates of 50 seeds per lot. The lots showed significant differences in the germination test, first germination count, germination rate index, and seedling length. The accelerated aging test was efficient in classifying lots. Lot 3 obtained the best results, while lot 1 obtained the lowest ones. The combination of 42 °C temperature and 72 h of seed exposure to the accelerated aging test is the best to classify mungbean seed lots.