The objective of the research was to evaluate the relationship between the physiological potential of different rocket seed lots and field plant performance. Two salad rocket cultivars (Cultivada and Folha Larga), each one represented by four seed lots, were initially evaluated by the germination, seedling vigor classification, electrical conductivity, accelerated ageing, controlled damage and seedling emergence tests; treatments (seed lots) were distributed separately in a completely randomized design for each cultivar and seed test. The field experiment was sowed directly; each experimental unit consisted of six rows with ten plants each; spacing was 0.2 m between rows and 0.1 m between plants, with an area of 1.2 m², in a randomized blocks' design. At 15, 20, 30 and 36 days after sowing, samples of 10 plants per plot were randomly collected to determine plant height, average leaf number and shoot dry matter. Small variations in physiological potential among seed lots are not sufficient to affect plant field performance at favorable condutions.
Eruca sativa; physiological potential; yield
