The electrical conductivity of the soaked seed solution is a process recommended to evaluate seed vigor of pea and soybean seeds, respectively. However, it was not so well established in other species. The objective of this work was to study methods to evaluate the physiological potential of bean seeds. The germination tests, first counting of germination, seedling emergence, and emergence speed index and electrical conductivity tests were accomplished. For the conductivity test three temperatures (20; 25 and 30oC) and six periods of seed soaking (2; 4; 8; 16; 20 and 24 hours) were used. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial scheme with four seed lots and six periods of soaking. It was observed that the soaking period for the electrical conductivity test could be reduced to 16 hours. The temperatures of 25 and 30oC was the best to order the seed lots. Thus, it can be concluded that the most appropriate state for the electrical conductivity test is 16 hours at 30°C.
