Seed marks the beginning of grain production from cultivated crops. Ensuring seed quality is the priority in the field of seed technology. In this context, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of carbon dioxide concentration to Classify Brassica napus seed lots of different quality resulting from various sowing dates. Seed lots were evaluated by percentage of normal plantlets and the germination rate index. CO2 concentration was quantified in samples submitted to five periods of incubation at 40° C with the aid of a gas exchange analyzer coupled to an injection and airflow system. The results were subjected to analysis of variance and the mean values were compared by the Duncan test and by regression analysis at the 5% level of significance. B. napus seeds from all lots showed a high percentage of normal plantlets and germination rate index. Percentage of normal plantlets was correlated with CO2 concentration. Determination of the CO2 concentration was more efficient with three hours of incubation which allowed classification of canola seed lots into four vigor classes. CO2 concentration was inversely proportional to the percentage of normal plantlets.
Brassica napus L.; seed respiration; infrared gas analyser; physiological quality
