Image analysis is a very promising technique to determine mechanical damage in seeds. This precise method examines seeds individually using enlarged images in which damaged areas as well as their exact location and extension can be found and examined in detail. Since this is a non-destructive method, analyzed seeds can be submitted to physiological tests to establish the relationship between mechanical damage and quality loss. The objective of the present investigation was to study the effects of mechanical damage on corn/maize seed vigor using image analysis. Fifty seeds from CO 32, AG 6690 and Attack cultivars were visually selected to form a sample of whole seeds with varying degrees of mechanical damage. The seeds were x-rayed, photographed (ventral and dorsal sides) and submitted to a cold test. Photographs were repeated after the cold test. Images were transferred to a computer so that pre and post cold test images could be examined simultaneously on the monitor to determine the possible relationship between cause and effect. Results indicated that the method under study permits association of mechanical damage with eventual losses caused to corn/maize seed vigor.
Zea mays L.; digital image; X-rays
