Accelerated aging test in "caroba" (Tabebuia caraiba (Mart.) Bureau) (Bignoniaceae) seeds

The germination test does not demonstrate the physiological quality attributes of seeds. The accelerated aging test is conducted in conditions of high temperatures and relative humidities for short time periods and, therefore, studies on using temperatures of 41 to 45 °C and reducing the period of aging deserve to be studied. The objective in this study was to analyze the effects of solutions and periods of exposure during the accelerated aging test to identify caroba seed vigor. The experimental design was of completely randomized blocks with the seeds subjected to 3 periods of accelerated aging (24, 48 and 72h) and two solutions (distilled water and saturated aqueous NaCl solution). Germination and speed germination index were evaluated. Seed samples differ in the germination test and showed different quality levels from the accelerated aging test in caroba, which should be performed at 43°C for 24, 48 or 72 hours with distilled water or with saturated aqueous NaCl solution, are adequate for caroba seed vigor test.