Seedling production is an important step for the tomato production and can be influenced by the initial temperature of germination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this factor in the tomato germination and seedling growth. It was used four seed lots which were tested for germination, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity to evaluate the physiological potential. After lots characterization, seeds were exposed to initial germination temperatures (20-30, 30, 33 and 35°C) and were analyzed by the SVIS® software. The seedling performance was evaluated using the emergence speed index and percentage, height and dry weight of shoots and roots. In general, the higher temperatures decreased the seedlings development. However, 28 days after sowing, the seedlings growth was similar among temperatures.
Solanum lycopersicun L.; vigour; seedling emergence
