The basic principles behind both tests are similar. Seeds are subjected to high
temperature (40-45°C) at high relative humidity (>95%) in AA or with pre-arranged
high seed moisture content (18-24%) in CD for 24-96 hours prior to germination testing.Matthews (1993) proposed that deteriorating seed at 45°C and 20% seed moisture content
for 24 hours is applicable for a large number of species. Hampton and TeKrony (1995)
reported preliminary results for accelerated ageing in watermelon seeds as 144 hours at
45°C, but he indicated that further research needed to be done to ascertain the general use
of this regime.
The present study evaluated the conditions for application of CD and AA tests for
commercial seed lots of watermelon, in relation to seedling emergence in low temperature
sowing, mechanical and salt stress environments and seed longevity in medium term
storage.