Image analysis in the evaluation of the physiological potential of maize seeds

Abstract

-The Seed Analysis System (SAS) is used in the image analysis of seeds and seedlings, and has the potential for use in the control of seed quality. The aim of this research was to adapt the methodology of image analysis of maize seedlings by SAS, and to verify the potential use of this equipment in the evaluation of the physiological potential of maize seeds. Nine batches of two maize hybrids were characterised by means of the following tests and determinations: germination, first count, accelerated ageing, cold test, seedling emergence at 25 and 30ºC, and speed of emergence index. The image analysis experiment was carried out in a factorial scheme of 9 batches x 4 methods of analysis of the seedling images (with and without the use of NWF as substrate, and with and without manual correction of the images). Images of the seedlings were evaluated using the average lengths of the coleoptile, roots and seedlings; and by the automatic and manual indices of vigour, uniformity and growth produced by the SAS. Use of blue NWF afffects the initial development of maize seedlings. The physiological potential of maize seeds can be evaluated in seedlings which are seeded on white paper towels at a temperature of 25 °C and evaluated on the third day. Image analysis should be carried out with the SAS software using automatic calibration and with no correction of the seedling images. Use of SAS equipment for the analysis of seedling images is a potential tool in evaluating the physiological quality of maize seeds.

Assessing the physiological quality of common bean seeds using the Vigor-S® system and its relation to the accelerated aging test

“…Results obtained by Silva et al (2012) showed that uniformity of seedling development can provide useful information regarding the degree of seed deterioration, initial growth potential, and uniformity of seedling emergence of crotalaria. In contrast, in studies on seeds of cucumber (Chiquito et al, 2012), sunflower (Caldeira et al, 2014), carrot (Pinto et al, 2015), maize (Marchi and Cicero, 2017), and soybean (Medeiros and Pereira, 2018), the seedling uniformity index did not correlate with the vigor of the seed lots evaluated. However, in those studies, the index proposed by Sako et al (2001) was used.…”

Digital phenotyping for quantification of genetic diversity in inbred guava (Psidium guajava) families

“…The digital image analysis of seeds has been employed for the identification of cultivars, determination of seed colors and mechanical damage, and classification of different seed sizes (Venora et al, 2009;Medina et al, 2010;Kara et al, 2013;Pinto et al, 2015;Andrade et al, 2016). However, to our knowledge, there are no reports on the use of digital imaging to measure seed traits such as size, form, texture, and color as applied for the quantification of intraspecific genetic diversity.…”

Physiological, isozyme changes and image analysis of popcorn seeds submitted to low temperatures

“…It is possible to find on Table 2 ( Figures 2B and C). Using computerized image analysis with Groundeye, Pinto et al (2015) have also shown consistency in results of seedling growth analysis. By the index of growth, uniformity, and automatic seed quality, it was also possible to categorize popcorn hybrids within each assessment temperature (Table 2).…”

“…The analysis was performed with automatic calibration, color thresholding using the RGB software with no further correction of its failures in identifying the parts of the seedlings. The images of the seedlings were assessed by the mean lengths of the hypocotyl and root; and by the indices of automatic vigor index, uniformity index and growth index provided by the Groundeye, following the criteria of Pinto et al (2015). The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (4X5), using four hybrids of popcorn (P618, AP6002, AP8202, AP8203) and five temperatures (10, 13, 16, 19 and 25 °C).…”