Use of the X-ray technique to evaluate the internal morphology of seeds of green manure species

Abstract

Image analysis through X-ray technique has been receiving great attention due to its importance in identifying internal damage in seeds quickly and accurately, in addition to being a non-destructive method. The aim of this study was to assess the use of X-rays to evaluate the internal morphology of seeds of green manure species. Seeds of Lupinus albus L., Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp., Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC. and Stylosanthes spp. were radiographed. Two hundred seeds were studied for each species, and intact seeds, seeds with mechanical damage, damage caused by insects and deteriorated tissues were recorded, considering the severity and location of the damage. The same seeds were subjected to a germination test. It was concluded that image analysis using X-ray technique was effective in detecting internal damage in seeds of some green manure species and it has relationship with negative aspects in germination.