This work was carried out to test the efficiency of various methods to evaluate the physiological quality of pepper, Capsicum annuum L. [cv. All Big] seeds, to be utilized for quality control tests and to verify their relationship with field emergence. Four pepper seed lots were evaluated for seed water content, germination, germination first count, electrical conductivity at 4 and 24 hours, accelerated aging, cold shock and field emergence. The first count test, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity at 4 and 24 hours were reliable to detect differences in vigor of pepper seed lots. Electrical conductivity test at 4 hours was more reliable for the classification of lots by vigor.
Capsicum annuum; germination; vigor