Methodology of suitability for electrical conductivity test for seeds of triticale

Abstract

The triticale stands out among the cereals due to its high yield potential, even in conditions of drought and soil acidity. Despite the importance of culture, there are few protocols for monitoring the physiological potential of seeds. Aimed to adapt the methodology of the electrical conductivity test to evaluate the vigor of triticale. We selected four seed lots of triticale, cultivar ‘IPR 111’, the following variables being studied the electrical conductivity test: two quantities of seeds (50 and 100), two volumes of imbibition (75 and 100 mL), five soaking periods: 4, 8, 16, 20 and 24 h, keeping the temperature fixed at 20 °C. In parallel, there have been determining the moisture content of seeds and the conduct of tests germination and seedling emergence in the field. Concluded that the electrical conductivity test is promising for the evaluation of triticale seed, by using the following methodologies: 50 seeds soaked in 100 mL of deionized water, the 20 °C for 8 and 24 h, or 75 seeds soaked in 100 mL of deionized water at 20 °C for 20 and 24 h.