Assessment of Brassicaceae Seeds Quality by X-ray Analysis

Abstract

A serious problem of vegetable production is the quality of sown seeds. In this regard, assessment of seed quality before sowing and storage is of great practical interest. The modern level of scientific research requires the use of instrumental automated methods of seed quality evaluation, allowing to obtain more information and in a shorter time. The material for the study was a variety of samples from the collection of Brassica oleracea L., var. capitata, Raphanus sativus L., var. radicula, and Lepidium sativum L. seeds from the Federal Scientific Center of Vegetable Breeding and the Timofeev Selection Station. Digital X-ray images of seeds were obtained using a mobile X-ray diagnostic device PRDU-02. Automatic analysis of digital X-ray images was performed in the software “VideoTesT-Morphology 5.2.” The following latent defects of cabbage seeds of economic importance were revealed and identified: irregular darkening, significant “patterning” with deep separation of embryo parts, “angularity of seeds” leading to the loss of their viability. Automatic analysis of digital X-ray images of seeds confirmed the informativeness of brightness indices of digital X-ray images, as well as shape indices. Their connection with sowing qualities of the studied seeds was established.

Noninvasive Methods to Detect Reactive Oxygen Species as a Proxy of Seed Quality

“…Therefore, several nondestructive methodologies have been developed, many of them being based on the use of different imaging techniques supported by computer vision to rapidly collect and interpret high-resolution images [ 3 , 71 , 72 , 73 ]. These include thermal imaging [ 74 , 75 ], X-rays [ 76 , 77 , 78 ], and spectroscopic techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technologies [ 5 , 79 , 80 , 81 ], Raman spectroscopy [ 3 , 82 , 83 ], or hyperspectral imaging [ 83 , 84 ]. Although these noninvasive methods represent a faster, deeper, and more precise way to retrieve important information for the evaluation of seed quality, the associated costs, and the required expertise are still prohibitive for large-scale screening of seed lots.…”

Choosing the Right Path for the Successful Storage of Seeds

“…Numerous factors can influence the ability to successfully procure and use seeds to support plant reintroductions, including challenges with seed collection, storage, and germination [ 31 , 42 ]. Therefore, when seeds are available, and confirmed to be viable by, e.g., biochemical 2,3,5-tryphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) test [ 43 ] and proved to be at good quality by, e.g., X-ray imaging [ 44 , 45 ], the next valid issue that requires an answer is the accessibility of the germination and dormancy breaking protocols if seeds become dormant upon maturation. Dormancy regulates germination through various physical and/or physiological means imposed by the seed coat, or within the embryo.…”

90 Years of Agrophysical Institute as a History of Priority Achievements in Russian and World Agrophysical Science

“…На протяжении десятков лет в АФИ разрабатываются высокоэффективные ресурсосберегающие фитобиотехнологии и оригинальное светооблучательное оборудование для круглогодичного интенсивного производства растительной продукции с заданными качественными и функциональными характеристиками (71,74). Апробированы системы экспресс-оценки физиологического состояния вегетирующих растений и качества семенного материала с помощью информационно-измерительных средств фитомониторинга, оптических и рентгенографического методов (75)(76)(77).…”

“…Основу интегративных междисциплинарных исследований взаимодействия генотип-среда составит цифровая методология контроля продукционного процесса (в том числе в системе точного земледелия) (8,(89)(90)(91) и качества семенного материала, диагностики и оценки состояния полей с помощью методов дистанционного зондирования и прогнозирования продуктивности посевов (46,92,93), определения толерантности и адаптивности возделываемых растений к действию абиотических стрессоров (с применением неинвазивных оптических, рентгеноскопических и других физических методов анализа и цифровизации) (75)(76)(77).…”