Saturated Salt Accelerated Aging As a Vigor Test for Pigeon Pea Seeds (Cajanus cajan L.).

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) is a short-lived perennial fabaceae species widely  used in tropical areas of the world as pulse and forage. Good quality seed plays an important role in its successful cultivation. Vigor tests have potential of assessing the seed physiological quality and, among them,  the accelerated aging test has proved to be one of the most sensitive and efficient for this purpose. This research aimed at studying the suitability of the saturated salt accelerated aging test for pigeon pea seeds. The physiological potential of eight seed lots of pigeon pea, cultivar Mandarim, was evaluated by germination and seedling emergence in the field. Seed samples of the same lots were submitted to the saturated salt (NaCl) accelerated aging test, at 42 and 45 ºC for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The best day for seedling evaluation were also evaluated, considering the fourth, sixth, eighth and 10^th day after  the beginning of the germination test. The results were promising since it allowed the classification of the seed lots in different vigor levels;   the treatments 48 h/42 ºC, 72 h/42 ºC, 24 h/45 ºC and 48 h/45 ºC were equally efficient when seedling evaluation was performed six days after the beginning of the germination test.