DETERMINATION OF USE OF COLD TESTS IN WATERMELON SEED LOTS AS VIGOUR TEST

Purpose of this study was to determine the use of cold test in classification of watermelon seed lots and estimation of emergence ratio under stress conditions as vigour test. Therefore, besides cold test; first count, controlled deterioration and standard germination tests were conducted. Standard germination test in classification of seed lots for estimation of emergence under mechanical and salt stress conditions found as not successful. On the other hand, first count and controlled deterioration tests were, both in classification of seed lots and estimation of emergence ratio, seemed to be very successful. Even though cold test was used in watermelon for the first time, mechanical stress (2005 r = 0.75*; 2006 r = 0.64*) was successful for 2 years of estimation of emergence ratio. As a result it was thought as a promising seed vigour test.