Evaluation of physiological quality of brocolli seeds using image analysis

• Grant number: 14/24495-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: April 01, 2015
• End date: September 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Crop Science
• Principal Investigator: Silvio Moure Cicero
• Grantee: Haynna Fernandes Abud
• Supervisor: Steven P. C. Groot
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Wageningen University, Netherlands
• Associated to the scholarship: 13/07745-1 - Evaluation of physiological quality of brocolli seeds using image analysis, BP.PD

Abstract

For several species when chlorophyll degradation doesn't occur properly during seed maturation is possible to have reductions in seed quality. This project proposes a complement in studies developed about image analysis using chlorophyll fluoresce as an indication of seed maturity and quality of broccoli seeds. To perform the measurements in Broccoli seeds the device JS-2001 Seed Sorter will be used to identify and quantify signals of chlorophyll fluorescence. Through this device one thousand seeds will be measured and sorted in the samples based in chlorophyll signal: low, medium and high signal. The groups obtained based on chlorophyll fluorescence signals will be assessed using a randomized block design with four replicates. To test the significance of differences found, the "t" test will be used. Differences with a F-probability of 5% or less will be considered as being significant. For analysis of seed quality four replicates of 50 seeds for each treatment will be sown on wetted germination for ten days. Each day the numbers of germinated seeds will be counted and registered. At the end of the test (10th day after imbibition) seedlings will be assessed for seedling quality. Seedlings will be classified as normal when all parts were fully developed and in proportion. The data obtained from the daily counts will be used to calculate the maximum germination, speed of germination (t50 - time to germination for 50% of all germinated seeds) and area under the germination curve till 100 hours of imbibition. Therefore this is a new field to explore in seed science once the relations are being performed not only to identify the problems in seed but extending the information to seedlings. (AU)