Adequacy of tests to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds of different gherkin varieties

Abstract

Gherkin is a vegetable widely consumed in the North, Northeast and Midwest of Brazil. Recent studies highlight the crucial role of seed physiological characteristics not only in the initial establishment of the crop, but also throughout its production cycle. Given the lack of research on appropriate methodologies to evaluate the vigor of gherkin seeds, this study proposed to investigate different techniques for evaluating the physiological quality of Liso gherkin and northern gherkin seeds. To establish the appropriate tetrazolium test, varying times of soaking and concentration. Germination, accelerated aging, germination speed index and exudate pH were also evaluated. The results indicated that, in general, a concentration of 1% was satisfactory for identifying high vigor seeds through the tetrazolium test, with soaking times not having much influence.  Additionally, the accelerated aging test proved to be efficient in identifying the Liso gherkin variety as more tolerant to adverse conditions, while in ideal situations, the northern gherkin stood out. The pH of the exudate was not efficient in separating the vigor of the varieties in the concentrations and times used.