Weight is a key factor in the physiological quality of Parapiptadenia rigida seeds

This study aimed to assess the physiological quality of Parapiptadenia rigida (Benth.) Brenan seed weight classes subjected to accelerated aging under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. A lot of P. rigida seeds was split in three seed weight classes (thousand seed weight): TSW1 (original lot; control, 19.23 g), TSW2 (25.45 g) and TSW3 (13.58 g), which were subjected to three accelerated aging times (0, 24 and 48 h). First count, weak and strong normal seedlings, percentage of accumulated germination, percentage of death seed, electrical conductivity, fresh and dry weight and shoot length were assessed in laboratory. Seedling emergence, emergence velocity and emergence velocity index were assessed in greenhouse. P. rigida seeds showing higher weight displayed higher percentage of germination and average vigor characteristics. Seeds with higher weight indicated high tolerance to accelerated aging conditions and produced more vigorous plants. Therefore, we suggest that seed lots of P. rigida should be composed considering TSW classes