Image analysis, quality and maturation of jiló (Solanum gilo) seeds

Abstract

Harvest time is correlated to the seed physiological quality and can be determined through germination and vigor tests. X-ray is a good technique for assessing seed quality, since it can reduce analysis subjectivity, making the process faster and more efficient. Our aim was to evaluate jiló (Solanum gilo) seed internal free area, through X-ray image analysis, and to relate results with seed germination in different stages of maturation. The variables evaluated were: object area, perimeter, standard deviation, and fraction area, which represents the internal free areas of seeds. The experimental design was completely randomized and treatments for each variety consisted of fruits harvested at: 35 d after anthesis (DAA); 40 DAA; 45 DAA and 45 DAA plus 7 d at rest in dark room. Four replicates of 50 seeds were used for each treatment. Data from germination test and seeds image analysis were used for ANOVA analysis, and treatments means were compared with the Scott-Knott test (p£0.05). Jiló seeds came from Morro redondo and Tinguá varieties. Jiló seeds from each treatment were analyzed by X-ray test and subsequently led to germination test. X-ray images were analyzed using ImageJ software, which was efficient. There were no statistically significant differences in each maturation stage between varieties. However, there was a statistically significant difference in seeds free areas of both varieties. Seeds with free area (embryo - endosperm) £10 % produced normal seedlings, and harvest at 45DAA + 7 d was recommended and germination seeds was 100 %. Thus, adiographic image analysis of eggplant seeds allows measurement of internal free areas, as well as determination of the relationship between these and germination, allowing identification of seeds with greater potential to germinate, helping to reduce jiló seeds economic losses.