ACCELERATED AGING IN SORGHUM GENOTYPES

The accelerated aging test has stood out among vigor tests. It has been used with different objectives, including as an assistance method in the selection of cultivars for plant breeding. This research aimed to analyze the effects of different exposure times to accelerated aging on the germination and vigor of sorghum seeds from different genetic sources. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design with eight genotypes and four replications. Seeds were subject to an accelerated aging test with four exposure times (0, 24, 72, and 96 h) at a temperature of 47 degrees C and then evaluated by germination test (G), germination speed index (GSI), mean germination time (MGT), seedling emergence (SE), emergence speed index (ESI), and mean emergence time (MET). All genotypes presented a reduction in germination, GSI, SE, and ESI, and an increase in MGT and MET. The genotype CMX5156A had an increase in seed vigor under conditions of high temperature and relative humidity. Accelerated aging for 72 hours at 47 degrees C drastically reduces seed vigor. The accelerated aging test can be used to differentiate sorghum genotypes in breeding programs.