This study aimed to evaluate the near-infrared spectroscopy potential in

analyzing the quality of cottonseed regarding different physiological quality levels, noting

the need for faster techniques and tools to aid decision making. It was used eight samples

of cottonseed with and without lint, presenting different physiological quality. The “high”

(lots 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7) and “low” (lots 2, 3 and 8) vigor levels were defined based on vigor

tests carried out and on the Normative Instruction 45/2013. The near infrared spectroscopy

spectra was obtained from four types of sample preparations: whole seeds, cut in a half,

without tegument and grounded seeds. Using the spectra and the grouping of lots in high

and low vigor, cross validation models were optimized, built using the PLS - DA method,

making it possible to predict seed classes. Grounded seeds were the best type of sample

preparation, with 95% of correct predictions for high vigor seeds and 100% of low vigor

(both for seeds with lint) and with 100% correct predictions for high vigor seeds and 91.7%

low vigor (without lint).