To investigate the reduction of the seed soaking time, in bulk and individualy, conductivity tests were performed on four seed lots of two soybean varieties (IAC-8 and IAC-15). The following tests were conducted: standard germination, first count of standard germination, accelerated aging and seed moisture. Studies of bulk and individual (ASA-610) seed conductivity were conducted with 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hours of soaking. It was concluded that for the bulk conductivity test the shorter imbibition periods (4 and 8) can be used for the detection of wide vigor differences, while imbibition periods of 16, 20 and 24 hours can be used to identify smaller vigor differences among soybean seed lots. This test showed to have good potential as a rapid and efficient method to discriminate soybean seed lots of different qualities. Its use in seed quality control programs can be useful. The efficiency of the ASA-610 varied according to variety.
Glycine max; seed; vigour; electrical conductuvity