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

• Autor(a) principal: Gomes Junior, Francisco Guilhien
• Data de Publicação: 2019
• Outros Autores: Cícero, Silvio Moure, Vaz, Carlos Manoel Pedro, Lasso, Paulo Renato Orlandi
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng; por
• Título da fonte: Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy (Online)
• Texto Completo: http://www.periodicos.uem.br/ojs/index.php/ActaSciAgron/article/view/42608
• topic: Zea mays; seed internal morphology; 3D X-ray imaging; computed tomography

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.