The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of accelerated aging on the seed vigor of paineira (Chorisia speciosa St. Hil.- Bombacaceae). The aging chamber technique was used (45ºC and 100% R.U.) and four replications of 50 seeds were distributed on gerbox for each aging time (0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144h). After the aging periods, the seeds were submitted to germination test (27ºC), electric condutivity, percentage of seedling emergence,and seedling dry matter. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey test. The germination percentages after 48, 72, 96 e 120h of accelerated aging was smaller than in the control group. Viability was lost after 144h within the chamber. The decrease in germination percentage was directely related to solute leakage from seed cells. A significant decrease in seedling emergence occurred after 72h of exposure to accelerating aging. The period of 72h inside the chamber may be recommended for seed vigor evaluation, because significant differences between the control group and the aging seeds were found for percentage of germination, seedling emergence and electric conductivity.
paineira; plant emergence; seed germination
