The methodology of the electrical conductivity test for Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds ¹

Metodologia do teste de condutividade elétrica para sementes de Carthamus tinctorius L.

HIGHLIGHTS

The electrical conductivity test was adapted for safflower seeds; it is easily reproducible and allows reliable results.

The six-hour soaking period for safflower seeds represents a significant reduction in the seed conditioning period.

The use of 50 mL of water for the safflower electrical conductivity test is economical and practical in the routine analysis of seed laboratories.

ABSTRACT

The electrical conductivity test stands out for generating quick responses for lot differentiation; however, studies are needed to improve this practice in safflower seeds. This study aimed to verify the efficiency and establish a methodology of the electrical conductivity test for safflower seeds. Initially, 12 lots were characterized regarding physical properties and physiological potential. For electrical conductivity, the experiment was carried out in three stages with the 12 lots: firstly, the soaking period was determined (2, 4, 6, 8, and 16 hours), then the volume was evaluated (50, 75, 100, 150, and 200 mL), and finally the number of seeds (25 and 50 seeds) was determined. The electrical conductivity test using 25 seeds in 50 mL of distilled water for six hours of soaking enables the differentiation of safflower seed lots. Multivariate analysis of principal components is efficient in discriminating the vigor of safflower seed lots.

Key words:
deterioration; physiological potential; safflower; vigor