The objective of the present study was to investigate the procedure for the conducting the controlled deterioration test to evaluate the physiological quality of salad rocket (Eruca sativa L.) seeds, cv. Cultivada. Two lots of salad rocket seeds were tested for germination, first germination count, seedling length, accelerated aging with and without the use of saturated NaCl solution, field emergence and controlled deterioration. Two temperatures (41 and 45°C) and two moisture contents (20 and 24%) were tested to obtain the best relationship between temperature and moisture content for use in the controlled deterioration test for salad rocket. The controlled deterioration test conducted at 41°C, for 20 and 24% and 24h was efficient in evaluating the physiological quality of salad rocket seeds, cv. Cultivada.