Can vigour tests estimate the storage potential of white-seeded beans?

This study was conducted to determine storage potential of white-seeded beans using the electrical conductivity and accelerated ageing tests recommended by ISTA for legumes. For this purpose, eight seed lots of five white-seeded cultivars from research institutes and seed companies were stored at 5 degrees and 25 degrees C up to 10 months. Seed quality was determined before and during storage using standard germination, electrical conductivity and accelerated ageing tests. There was a greater reduction in both the standard and accelerated ageing germinations when seeds were stored at 25 degrees than at 5 degrees C. The electrical conductivity of seed lots increased during the storage period at both the temperatures. The electrical conductivity and accelerated ageing before storage were significantly correlated with standard germination after 10 months storage at 5 degrees C (r=-0.814; r=0.796, P<0.05) and 25 degrees C (r=-0.845; r=0.761, P<0.01; P<0.05), respectively. Therefore, it can be stated that the electrical conductivity and accelerated ageing tests can be used for storage management.