Non-Peer ReviewedSixteen seedlots from four varieties of Argentine canola, Brassica napus L., were subjected to four laboratory vigour tests including the modified germination test, accelerated aging test, controlled deterioration test and conductivity test. Results indicated that within each variety, high germination seedlots had lowest conductivity readings and were least prone to accelerated aging or controlled deterioration. Conversely, low germination seedlots had highest conductivity and were most prone to deteriorate after exposure to 45oC for 24 h. Germination counts of seedlots in each vigour test were correlated with field data from early May plantings at Saskatoon, Watrous and Rosebank in 2000. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated that the modified germination test, accelerated aging test, controlled deterioration test and seedling dry weight in controlled deterioration test provided the best indication of seedling emergence and seedling establishment. Seedling dry weight in the controlled deterioration test provided the highest statistical correlation with seedling fresh weight and biomass. Conductivity readings were inversely correlated with seedling establishment and biomass
