Radiographic analysis to assess the seed structure of Crotalaria juncea L.

Análise radiográfica para avaliação da estrutura de sementes de Crotalaria juncea L.

Abstract:

The X-ray test is a simple, fast, non-destructive, and highly precise test that enables detailed examination of internal seed morphology and identification of seed damage and its location and type. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of the X-ray test and the relationship between the structure of Crotalaria juncea seeds and germination. Six lots of Crotalaria juncea seeds of the IAC-KR1 cultivar were subjected to X-ray and germination tests. Normal and abnormal seedlings and dead seeds were photographed and analyzed together with the X-ray images of the seeds. Results showed that analysis of X-ray images is effective in identifying mechanical damage, stink bug damage, and deteriorated tissues in Crotalaria juncea seeds and is able to establish an association between their occurrence and germination.

Index terms:
image analysis; germination; internal morphology