The vigor tests and germination test are essential components of seed quality control
to the seed industry. This research was understaken to study an adequate method to estimate vigor
in different seed lots and to predict seedling emergence on spedling trays. Five lots of broccoli
?Florida´ hybrid seeds were submitted to the following tests: germination; first germination count;
primary root emission (48, 56, 72, 80, and 96 hour after sowing); seedling emergence on spedling
trays; accelerated aging with water (1 g of seeds maintained at 41°C during 48 and 72 hours);
accelerated aging with salt (the same procedure of last item, but using 40% NaCl solution); electrical
conductivity (50 seeds in 25 mL of distilled water at 25 °C and evaluations after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24
hours imbibition). All the tests presented significant correlation with emergence on spedling trays
at 1% probability level. The accelerated aging tests with saturated salt solution during 48 hours
and the electrical conductivity after 8 and 24 hours imbibitions showed similar results at emergence
on spedling trays. The first germination count, primary root emission after 56 hours and accelerated
aging with salt during 72 hours were more efficient than emergence on spedling trays to differentiate
vigor among seed lots.