ENVELHECIMENTO ACELERADO DE SEMENTES DE ALFACE PRODUZIDAS NO MANEJO ORGÂNICO EM CULTIVO PROTEGIDO E A CÉU ABERTO

Lettuce seeds can be produced in natural conditions under full sun and in controlled conditions in greenhouses, where the cultivation environment can interfere with seed vigor. In this context, the accelerated aging with NaCl solution has proven efficient for determining the quality of the seeds. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of cultivation environment and cultivars vigor of lettuce seeds produced in organic management, in two cities in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (2 x 7), with four replications, with two environments (protected and open cultivation) and seven lettuce cultivars. The experiment was conducted in Seropedica and Avelar cities (RJ), and the statistical analyzes were performed distinctly on each of them. The seeds were subjected to accelerated aging test with saturated NaCl solution and they were kept in a humid chamber with saline for 72 h at 41 degrees C. After the aging period, the seeds were germinated. There were differences between the moisture content of the pre EASS seeds in Seropedica and post EASS in Avelar. Seeds produced in the greenhouse presented better results than those produced in the field for both Seropedica and Avelar cities. However, Grand Rapidis and Wonder Four Seasons cultivars showed high vigor for both the seeds produced in the greenhouse and in the field.