Recent advances in multispectral imaging-based technology have provided useful information on seed health in order to optimize the quality control process. In this study, we verified the efficiency of multispectral imaging (MSI) combined with statistical models to assess the cowpea seed health and differentiate seeds carrying different fungal species. Seeds were artificially inoculated with Fusarium pallidoroseum, Rhizoctonia solani and Aspergillus sp. Multispectral images were acquired at 19 wavelengths (365 to 970 nm) from inoculated seeds and freeze-killed ‘incubated’ seeds. Statistical models based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were developed using reflectance, color and texture features of the seed images. Results demonstrated that the LDA-based models were efficient in detecting and identifying different species of fungi in cowpea seeds. The model showed above 92% accuracy before incubation and 99% after incubation, indicating that the MSI technique in combination with statistical models can be a useful tool for evaluating the health status of cowpea seeds. Our findings can be a guide for the development of in-depth studies with more cultivars and fungal species, isolated and in association, for the successful application of MSI in the routine health inspection of cowpea seeds and other important legumes.

Conventional methods for detecting seed-borne fungi are laborious and time-consuming, requiring specialized analysts for characterization of pathogenic fungi on seed. Multispectral imaging (MSI) combined with machine vision was used as an alternative method to detect Drechslera avenae (Eidam) Sharif [Helminthosporium avenae (Eidam)] in black oat seeds (Avena strigosa Schreb). The seeds were inoculated with Drechslera avenae (D. avenae) and then incubated for 24, 72 and 120 h. Multispectral images of non-infested and infested seeds were acquired at 19 wavelengths within the spectral range of 365 to 970 nm. A classification model based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was created using reflectance, color, and texture features of the seed images. The model developed showed high performance of MSI in detecting D. avenae in black oat seeds, particularly using color and texture features from seeds incubated for 120 h, with an accuracy of 0.86 in independent validation. The high precision of the classifier showed that the method using images captured in the Ultraviolet A region (365 nm) could be easily used to classify black oat seeds according to their health status, and results can be achieved more rapidly and effectively compared to conventional methods.

-The development of technologies to increase stand establishment efficiency and seed vigor, as well as to maximize profits, is of fundamental importance for the sustainability of agriculture. Products based on humic substances, such as humic acids, have been recently used in Brazilian agriculture to produce seedlings with high vigor, which positively influences the establishment of the initial stand. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of treatment of corn seeds with a commercial humic acid-based product, Humykos® (18% of humic acid content), on germination and seedling vigor. The treatments consisted of six doses (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mL 100 kg -1 seed) of Humykos®, and the treated seeds were analyzed for germination and vigor (first count, emergence, emergence speed index, length, and dry mass of shoots and roots). Our results show that humic acid promotes greater seedling growth and increased shoot dry mass in corn; in addition, it has a positive influence on the emergence speed index up to a dose 158 mL 100 kg -1 seeds.

As sementes de graviola (Annona muricata) apresentam tegumento resistente e impermeável, além de substâncias inibidoras que dificultam a germinação das sementes. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a contribuição da embebição em ácido giberélico para a superação da dormência e aumento da germinação das sementes de graviola. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. As sementes foram escarificadas e em seguida embebidas por 24 horas a 25 ºC em soluções contendo 0; 50; 100; 150 e 200 mg L-1 (ppm) de ácido giberélico. Após este período de embebição as sementes foram submetidas ao teste de germinação, sendo avaliados a porcentagem de germinação, o índice de velocidade e o tempo médio de germinação. As concentrações de ácido giberélico apresentaram efeito sobre a germinação e índice de velocidade de germinação. Conclui-se que a embebição das sementes de graviola na concentração aproximada de 140 ppm de ácido giberélico auxilia na superação da dormência, aumentando a germinação e o índice de velocidade de germinação.

Crambe is a rapeseed with high oil content and can be used as a winter cover or as a source of raw material for the production of biodiesel, however espite the growing interest in

The use of microorganisms is a very recurrent reality in agriculture. Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Azospirillum brasilense benefits the development of plants. There was an increase in the yield components of soybean. Microorganisms are widely used in agriculture. Among them, the bacterial genus Bradyrhizobium is commonly found in cultivated soils, forming symbiotic relationships with legume species. This work aimed to evaluate whether co‐inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Azospirillum brasilense influences the components of production, yield, and physiological quality of soybean seeds. The experiment was conducted in three consecutive crop seasons (from 2014–2015 to 2016–2017), in the municipality of Chapadão do Sul, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The experiment consisted of a randomized complete block design, with seven treatments and four replications, using the following treatments: T1, control (without inoculation); T2, inoculation with B. japonicum (150 mL); T3, inoculation with A. brasilense (150 mL); T4, co‐inoculation with B. japonicum + A. brasilense (75 mL + 75 mL); T5, co‐inoculation with B. japonicum + A. brasilense (150 mL + 150 mL); T6, co‐inoculation with B. japonicum + A. brasilense (225 mL+ 225 mL); and T7, co‐inoculation with B. japonicum + A. brasilense (300 mL+ 300 mL). Each treatment (dose) was applied to 50 kg of soybean seeds. The study evaluated the agronomic variables number of nodules per plant, dry shoot biomass per plant, plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, mass of 100 seeds, and grain yield; and the seed quality variables first germination count, germination, emergence, emergence speed index, electric conductivity, accelerated aging, and tetrazolium. The co‐inoculation of soybean seeds with B. japonicum and A. brasilense benefits the development of plants, increasing yield components, grain yield, and seed quality. The most efficient level was 225 mL of each inoculant for 50 kg of seed.

Radiographic and multispectral image analysis have potential to be efficient, objective methods for assessing seed quality and internal insect infestation. The aim of this study was to verify the efficiency of radiographic and multispectral analysis in detecting signs and damage caused by Angoumois grain moth [Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier)] and its different developmental stages in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with six replications of 50 seeds. The samples were subjected to laboratory-induced infestation and after 5 and 10 d, radiographic and multispectral analysis were conducted. Afterwards, the seeds were immersed in water for 24 h and then sectioned with a cutting blade. The number of seeds with signs of eggs or oviposition, larvae, pupae, adult insects and insect galleries was quantified. The generalized linear models (GLM) methodology was used and the Tukey test (p < .05) was used to compare the means. In general, the radiographic (with or without contrast) and multispectral methods are viable tools to evaluate insect-infested and uninfested wheat seeds. Multispectral analysis was efficient only in identifying eggs on the seed surface and does not detect the presence of larvae and pupae inside the seeds.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of temperature, substrate, and luminosity on chia seeds in order to determine adequate conditions for a germination test. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design, in a 4 × 5 × 2 factorial scheme (four substrates × five temperatures × two luminosity conditions), with four replications. The following variables were analyzed: first germination count, germination, germination speed index, and mean germination time. Germination was best at 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C for the on-paper, paper roll, and sand substrates. However, in the presence of luminosity and at 25 °C, the on-paper substrate had the highest mean. For all substrates, the lowest germination was achieved at 35 °C, proving that high temperatures reduce chia seed germination. Germination speed index was highest at 25 and 30 °C for on-paper, paper roll, and sand substrates, in both the presence and absence of luminosity. Chia seeds are considered to be neutral photoblasts. Germination tests should be performed with the on-paper substrate, at 25 °C, and with a duration of seven days. The first count should be carried out four days after establishment of the test.