Electrical Conductivity Test in Batches of Schinus molle L. Seeds

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the electrical conductivity test to determine the physiological characteristics of lots of Schinus molle seeds. In the test, we used three lots of seeds stored for different periods of time, and evaluated two quantities of seeds and three volumes of water to obtain the soaking solution for subsequent reading of electrical conductivity. For conductivity, three volumes of water showed evidence of differences between the three lots for the two quantities of seeds. The lot with shorter storage period presented the lowest electrical conductivity and better physiological quality, confirming the results of the germination test. Thus the electrical conductivity test is efficient in differentiating batches of Schinus molle seeds, and it can be conducted at 25 °C, using 50 seeds soaked in 25 mL of water for 24 hours.