The objective of this work was to study the efficiency of controlled deterioration and traditional and modified accelerated aging tests in order to evaluate the physiological potential of cotton seeds. Eight seed lots of cotton variety CD 406 were submitted to a controlled deterioration test, with seed moisture content adjusted to 15, 18, 21, and 24%. The seeds were submitted to aging in a double boiler at 41, 43, and 45°C for 24 hours. The accelerated aging test in chambers containing either water (traditional method) or saturated NaCl solution (modified method) was performed under three temperature-time conditions: 41°C/48h, 42°C/60h, or 45°C/72h. It was concluded that the controlled deterioration test, performed with seed moisture content artificially adjusted to 15%, followed by aging in a double boiler at 43°C for 24 hours, as well as the accelerated aging test with the use of a saturated NaCl solution conducted at 41°C/48h are the most promising combinations to evaluate the physiological potential of cotton seeds. Traditional accelerated aging at 45°C/72h was exceedingly harsh on the seeds, causing seed viability loss.
Gossypium hirsutum L. r. latifolium Hutch; controlled deterioration; accelerated aging
