FIELD: agriculture. SUBSTANCE: method involves wetting seeds for 4-12 hours and measuring potential difference between embryo and endosperm, radicle and gemma, polar ends of seed rear side; judging emergence rate by variations in potential difference values. Shift of potential difference toward positive values indicates reduction in emergence rates. Method is used for controlling physiological state of seeds stored for prolonged time in breeding stations. EFFECT: increased efficiency by inhibiting prolonged influence of wetting procedure owing to reduced seed swelling time. 1 dwg