The objective of this research was to evaluate the sensitivity of the tradicional
procedure for the accelerated aging test to evaluate the physiological quality of gherkin (Cucumis
anguria L.) seeds, cv. Liso, when compared to the salt saturated accelerated aging test (SSAA).
Five lots of gherkin seeds cv. Liso were tested for germination, first germination count, seedling
emergence, electrical conductivity and accelerated aging (41ºC; 48, 72 and 96 hours; with and
without the use of saturated solution of NaCl). It was concluded that, among the accelerated aging
protocols studied, the period of 72 hours, of the SSAA was considered appropriate to assess the
physiological quality of gherkin seeds. It was also observed that seed water content after the
SSAA was lower and more uniform, thus showing advantagens when compared to the tradicional
procedure.