In order to obtain high quality seeds, adequate mineral fertilizing is indispensable that is important for plant development and reproduction, as well as for the seed physiological quality and consequently, for seedling growth. The objective of this research was to evaluate the physiological seed quality and lettuce seedlings growth the in presence and absence of the complete nutritive solution with emphasis on macronutrient nitrogen. The experiment was carried in the seed laboratory and greenhouse of the Botany Department, Pelotas Federal University (UFPel). The assay was conducted three times: Hoagland solution ½ strength, Hoagland solution ½ strength minus element nitrogen and water (control). The following tests were carried out: germination (TG), first germination count (PCG), germination speed index (IVG), electric conductivity (CE), seedling emergence (E), emergence speed index (IVE), seedling shoot (PA) and root (SR) lengths, fresh (MF) and dry (MS) matter of seedling shoot and root, leaf area, leaf number, and pigment (chlorophylls) content. A completely randomized design was used with three replications. The means were compared by the Tukey test (p<5%). The use of the complete solution and solution minus nitrogen did not interfere in the seed viability and vigor lettuce cv. Regina, in tests carried out under laboratory conditions. However, under greenhouse conditions, the complete solution increased significantly the canopy length, canopy and root fresh and dry matter, increasing also the leaf area and the number of leaves per seedlings at 21 days after emergence. This parameters analyzed were not influenced by the treatments.
quality; nutrition mineral; pigments extract
