ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to develop a methodology for standardizing the Accelerated Aging test (AA) for J. nigra seeds. After different aging treatments, seeds were subjected to the standard germination test the results of which were expressed as the percentage of normal seedlings. Germination velocity index and mean time of maximum germination were also determined. Our results showed that storage at high temperature and relative humidity deteriorates black walnut seeds to the extent that their germination capacity is lost in only seven days. Bigger seeds had a higher percentage of normal seedlings and vigor, both under favorable storage conditions and when subjected to accelerated aging treatments. This work has clearly shown that vigor of J. nigra seeds should be assessed using AA periods no longer than 72 h. The most frequent abnormality observed in AA testing was seedlings with stubby roots and no secondary roots.

中文翻译：

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评估黑胡桃种子活力的加速老化试验

摘要 这项工作的目的是开发一种方法，用于标准化黑果树种子的加速老化测试 (AA)。种子经过不同老化处理后进行标准发芽试验，结果以正常幼苗的百分比表示。还测定了发芽速度指数和最大发芽的平均时间。我们的结果表明，在高温和相对湿度下储存会使黑胡桃种子变质，以至于它们的发芽能力仅在 7 天内就会丧失。在有利的储存条件和加速老化处理下，较大的种子具有更高的正常幼苗和活力的百分比。这项工作清楚地表明，应使用不超过 72 小时的 AA 期来评估 J. nigra 种子的活力。