Assessment of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos seed quality through X-ray testing

ABSTRACT:

Several techniques are used to evaluate seed quality; however, most of them are destructive and require considerable execution time. The X-ray test has proven to be an efficient nondestructive technique for evaluating the quality of seeds. This study aimed to evaluate internal damage in ipê-roxo (Handroanthus impetiginosus) seeds through X-ray tests and to investigate how it affects seed germination. Samples from four lots of ipê-roxo seeds were exposed to radiation and, subsequently, the radiographs were analyzed using ImageJ software and the seeds divided into four classes based on their internal morphology: 1) seeds with an embryonic cavity filled with more than 50%; 2) an embryonic cavity filled up to 50%; 3) an embryonic cavity attacked by insects; and 4) an empty embryonic cavity. After that, the seeds were subjected to a germination test and, after 21 days, scored as germinated, nongerminated, dead, and normal and abnormal seedlings. The X-ray test proved to be effective in evaluating the internal morphology of ipê-roxo seeds and their relationship with physiological quality. Radiographic analysis enabled the precise identification of damage, such as embryonic malformation and damage by insects.

Index terms:
damage to seeds; germination; physiological quality