This test is commonly used to access vigor in agronomic and vegetable seeds.

Prior to a standard germination test, seeds are subjected to high temperatures (40 to 45°C) and high relative humidity (near 100 percent) for two to five days.

High vigor seeds tolerate this stress better than low vigor seeds and germinate at higher percentages.

Photo of an accelerated aging dish containing screen filled with impatiens seeds.

Accelerated aging dish containing screen filled with impatiens seeds.