The accelerated aging test (traditional procedure
and with saline solution) conducted with exposure periods
of 72 and 96 h at 38°C or 41°C presents enough
sensitivity for the physiological potential evaluation of
melon seeds.
The use of a NaCl-saturated solutions
slows down the velocity and the intensity of water
absorption by melon seeds during the accelerated
aging test, leading to a less intense deterioration rate,
and yielding results that are less severe and more
uniform.