To study the efficiency of the X-ray test on the evaluation of internal damage in yellow ipê (Tabebuia serratifolia) and purple ipê (T. impetiginosa) seeds and to verify the effect of damage on germination, the seeds were submitted to different times and intensity of radiation exposition. The intensity of 55kV for 25 seconds allowed the best visualization of the internal structures. After that, the seeds of both species were divided into three categories according to their internal anatomy visualized by the radiographs: whole seeds, seeds with damage and empty seeds. The seeds with damage were divided into three sub-categories: seeds with little damage, seeds with severe damage and deformed seeds. The seeds were submitted to the germination test in sand at 30ºC under constant light. The X-ray test was efficient in the evaluation of internal damage in yellow ipê and purple ipê seeds. The internal damage observed by radiographs affected germination of ipê seeds decreasing seed lot quality.
yellow ipe; purple ipe; germination
