Assessing the physiological quality of common bean seeds using the Vigor-S® system and its relation to the accelerated aging test

Abstract: Automated analysis of seed vigor stands out by allowing greater accuracy, standardization, objectivity, and speed in evaluation of the physiological potential of seed lots. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the Vigor-S® system in assessing the physiological quality of common bean seeds compared to the information provided by the traditional vigor tests recommended for this species. Four genotypes of common bean were used, each one represented by four seed lots. Characterization of the physiological potential of the lots was carried out by the following tests: germination, first count of germination, seedling emergence, accelerated aging, and electrical conductivity. The results of these tests were compared with the data obtained from the image analysis technique, specifically the Vigor-S® system, which was used to evaluate seedling growth at two, three, and four days after the beginning of the germination test. Shoot length, primary root length, and seedling length were measured, as well as the growth index, uniformity index, and vigor index were calculated. Computerized analysis of seedling images using the Vigor-S® software is a reliable alternative for evaluation the physiological potential of bean seeds, and it produces information similar to evaluations traditionally used for that purpose.