Tomato seed image analysis during the maturation
Abstract
Abstract: The seed physiological potential has been directly related to normal formation process under morphological, structural and functional point of view. The objective of this study was to evaluate the internal morphology of ‘BRS Nagai’ tomato hybrid seeds at different stages of development and maturation, through the X-ray image analysis and relate the results with the seed germination and vigor. Seeds were extracted from fruits harvested at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 days after pollination (DAP). Subsequently, seeds were x-rayed with their images analyzed visually for the embryo morphology classification; also, the measurement of clearance between the embryo and endosperm was performed with the help of the ImageJ software. These results were compared with the seed physiological quality by germination. The correlations involving the analysis of X-ray showed that the seeds have embryos classified as normal tend to have higher vigor and produce normal seedlings. On the other hand, seeds with higher internal free area tend to have low vigor and higher percentage of abnormal seedlings. The image analysis using X-rays is efficient for the study of physiological maturity of tomato seeds. The analysis of X-rays may predict seed performance by means of the embryo morphology, permitting the selection of high quality seeds. Tomato seeds of fruits with up to 40 days after pollination have low morphophysiological quality when compared to seeds extracted from fully mature fruits, from 60 days after pollination.
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