The objective of the work was to determine the time of exposure adequate to the assessment of physiological potential of the seeds of Zinnia elegans Jacq., cultivar "Single mixed", picked in three different epochs, through the accelerated ageing test, as well as identifying genera of fungi associated to the seeds and their influence on the quality of themselves. It was utilized seeds harvested in january, february and march of 2005, which remained in BOD chamber at 40° C for 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The physiological quality was evaluated by the tests of germination, first counting, the seedling length, rising of seedling, in field and plant length, and, the sanitary quality by "Blotter Test". The test of accelerated ageing was efficient for the stratification of the quality of the seeds of zinnia harvested in different seasons due to the physiological potential. The periods of the accelerated ageing of 72 and 96 h, at temperature of 40° C, were the ones that demonstrated greater capacity of seed quality physiological differentiation. The fungus Aspergillus spp. associated to the seeds negatively in the germination.
zinnia; vigor; accelerated aging; fungi
