Electrical conductivity and soybean seedling emergence

Evaluation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] seeds vigor and its relation with field seedling emergence can provide secure indicatives of seed physiological potential. The present research studied the relationship between the electrical conductivity test and the seedling emergence of soybean in field and laboratory. The field experiment was sown in November 26th, December 3td and 10th, 2000. Laboratory tests were performed using levels of water potential in the substrate (soil) -0.03; -0.2; -0.4; and -0.6 MPa. Fourteen seed lots, seven of 'Embrapa 48' and seven of 'BRS 133' soybean cultivars were used. Laboratory tests comprised seed water content determination, before and after the accelerated aging; germination and vigor tests (accelerated aging and electrical conductivity). Germination and seedling emergence decreased as the substrate water potential was reduced, indicating a relationship among the germination, water potential and seed vigor. For the 'Embrapa 48' higher vigor seed lots, the best performance occurred at -0.6 MPa water potential. The electrical conductivity test may be efficient to evaluate soybean seed vigor and, consequently, the performance potential in the field. However, further studies are necessary to determine the values or the range of values that indicate the seed vigor level and the adequate use of a given seed lot