X-ray microtomography in comparison to radiographic analysis of mechanically damaged maize seeds and its effect on seed germination

Autor(es)

Gomes-Junior, Francisco Guilhien ^[1] ; Cicero, Silvio Moure ^[1] ; Pedro Vaz, Carlos Manoel ^[2] ; Orlandi Lasso, Paulo Renato ^[2]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Produc Vegetal, Escola Super Agr Luiz de Oueiroz, Av Padua Dias 11, Cx Postal 09, BR-13418900 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[2] Embrapa Instrumentacao, Empresa Brasileira Pesquisa Agr, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy; v. 41, 2019.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

ABSTRACT. Among the most relevant aspects of seed production, mechanical damage may affect seed germination and reduce health and vigor. This study introduces a noninvasive high-resolution imaging procedure for evaluating the mechanical damage to maize seeds and the effects on seed germination. Seeds with different levels of mechanical damage were evaluated using a benchtop micro-computed tomography system (micro-CT) and digital X-ray equipment. The two-dimensional transaxial, coronal and sagittal micro-CT sections were used to inspect the seed anatomy and the mechanical injuries in the internal seed tissue. Germination tests were performed using paper towel rolls (25°C for 7 days) in which the seedling length was evaluated on a daily basis, and the seedling dry biomass was measured at the seventh germination day. The micro-CT cross-sectional images allowed an efficient spatial characterization of the mechanical damage inside the seeds. On average, mechanically damaged seeds produced seedlings with a length 24% shorter and a dry biomass 65% less than that of the undamaged seeds. We concluded that the micro-CT technique provides an efficient means to inspect mechanically damaged maize seeds and allows for a reliable association with germination response. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 12/24683-7 - Estudo comparativo da análise radiográfica com métodos tomográficos para avaliação da ocorrência de injúrias mecânicas em sementes
• Beneficiário: Francisco Guilhien Gomes Junior
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 15/24008-6 - Desenvolvimento de técnicas de análise de imagens para avaliação do vigor e da morfologia interna de sementes
• Beneficiário: Francisco Guilhien Gomes Junior
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular