An Evaluation of the Variation in the Morphometric Parameters of Grain of Six Triticum Species with the Use of Digital Image Analysis

Abstract

Kernel images of six wheat species were subjected to shape and color analyses to determine variations in the morphometric parameters of grain. The values of kernel shape descriptors (area, perimeter, Feret diameter, minimal Feret diameter, circularity, aspect ratio, roundness, solidity) and color descriptors (H, S, I and L*a*b*) were investigated. The influence of grain colonization by endophytic fungi on the color of the seed coat was also evaluated. Polish wheat grain was characterized by the highest intraspecific variation in shape and color. Bread wheat was most homogeneous in terms of the studied shape and color descriptors. An analysis of variations in wheat lines revealed greater differences in phenotypic traits of relict wheats, which have a larger gene pool. The grain of ancient wheat species was characterized by low roundness values and relatively low solidity. Shape and color descriptors were strongly discriminating components in the studied wheat species. Their discriminatory power was determined mainly by genotype. A method that supports rapid discrimination of cereal species and admixtures of other cereals in grain batches is required to guarantee the quality and safety of grain. The results of this study indicate that digital image analysis can be effectively used for this purpose.

Morphological Description and Classification of Wheat Kernels Based on Geometric Models

“…A field experiment was conducted in 2014/2015 in the Agricultural Experiment Station in Bałcyny (53 • 36 N, 19 • 51 E), Poland. Plots with an area of 9 m 2 each were established on soil typically used for wheat cultivation [7].…”

“…aestivum and T. durum [6].Tetra-and hexaploid species have an increased grain size. The conducted morphological analysis of wheat kernels of different species and varieties has revealed interesting differences [7]. For example, the grain of T. spelta, the ancestral wheat from which T. aestivum ssp.…”

“…In the case of wheat, a variation of kernel shape may be a consequence of breeding leading to forms with increased yield. The geometric models described here contribute to the accurate description of the differences between varieties.Our objective was to describe the shape of kernels of wheat species based on their comparison with geometric figures as well as to validate the results of digital image analysis [7]. The comparison of seed images with adequate models for each species and variety allows for the description and classification of wheat kernels in morphological types.…”

“…Our objective was to describe the shape of kernels of wheat species based on their comparison with geometric figures as well as to validate the results of digital image analysis [7]. The comparison of seed images with adequate models for each species and variety allows for the description and classification of wheat kernels in morphological types.…”

Morphometry of the Wheat Spike by Analyzing 2D Images

“…The spike length and density as well as the number of spikelets and kernels per spike, weight of 1000 grains, and several other characteristics are of a great relevance for breeders and geneticists [4,5]. The kernel shape is also a useful breeding trait since it determines the flour yield along with the grain size and uniformity, thereby contributing to grain commercial value [6]. The characteristics of spike morphology also form the background of genus Triticum L. [3,7] and related species [8] taxonomies.…”