Water submersion of bean seeds in the vigour evaluation

Abstract

This work aimed to study the germination and vigour of seeds of two bean cultivars, submitted to different water submersion periods: 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16h at 25ºC. The following parameters were evaluated: seed moisture content, germination, first germination count, vigour classification, length and dry matter weight of hypocotyls and primary root. Results showed that germination and seed vigour decreased with the increase of seed submersion in water. There was a reduction of germination percentage in the seeds exposed to four or more hours of submersion. Vigour was evaluated by the first germination count and by tests of performance of seedlings. Germination and vigour were negatively affected. Four hours of submersion can irreversibly damage crop establishment in fewer vigorous lots, and eight hours can affect even the most vigorous lots. Four hours of submersion employed in a seed lab may be useful to discriminate vigour of bean seed lots.