The objective of this study was to compare different methods for vigour evaluation
of tomato seeds. Four seed lots of the Santa Clara cultivar were evaluated by the following tests:
standard germination, first count of germination test, cool germination, accelerated aging, controlled
deterioration and seedling emergence in soil. It was concluded that the accelerated aging and the
first count of germination tests were not efficient in detecting differences among vigour levels of
seed lots seed lot vigor levels. The cool germination and seedling emergence in soil tests identified
seed lots of with high and low vigour levels. Similar classification in vigour levels were was
obtained by the controlled deterioration test conducted at 41°C for 48h and 24% seed moisture
content.