Genipa americana L. seeds germinate slowly so that development of methods which quichly provide reliable viability primary results is of importance. The main objective of this research was to find a combination of a procedures to evaluate seed viability by the tetrazolium, the compared to the germination test. Pre-conditioning periods of 12, 18 and 24 hours, at 30°C, combined with tetrazolium solution concentrations of 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75% and periods of two, three and four hours immersion in the tetrazoluim solution under a temperature of 40ºC were tested. In view practicability, reduction of costs and quick yield of dependable results, the combination of pre-conditioning for 24 hours, under temperature of 30°C, followed by immersion of, the embryo in a 0,25% concentration solution of tetrazolium solution two hours is recommended.