A Non-Invasive Analysis of Seed Vigor by Infrared Thermography.

Liya Liu,Ruohan Wang,Xi Zhang,Jing Li,Zhongsi Wang

doi:10.3390/plants9060768

Abstract

This paper establishes robust regression models for fast and efficient estimation of seed vigor based on high-resolution infrared thermography. High seed quality is of great significance for agricultural and silvicultural purposes, and seed vigor is a crucial agent of seed quality. In this study, we used the non-invasive technology of infrared thermal imaging to analyze seed vigor of Ulmus pumila L. and Oryza sativa L. Temperatures of young age and aged seeds during thermal decay were monitored over time. We found that the thermal decay dynamics of U. pumila seeds were highly differential among seeds with differential vigor. Furthermore, a regression model was developed to estimate seed vigor based on its thermal decay dynamics. Similarly, a close relationship was also found between thermal decay processes and seed vigor in O. sativa. These results suggest that infrared thermography can be widely applied in non-invasive examination of seed vigor and allows fast and efficient seed screening for agricultural and silvicultural purposes in the future.

Highlights

Intense competition in the field of agricultural technology has promoted the global development of seed-related industries, which has given rise to an urgent need for improved seed quality.High-quality seeds are the building blocks of good seedling performance
One of the most important agents of seed quality is seed vigor, which profoundly influences the potential for tree growth and crop production [1]
When seeds were exposed to aging treatment conditions for 120 h, viability decreased to 20.00 ± 2.00%, indicating a remarkable decrease in seed vigor during aging (Figure 2A)

Summary

Introduction

Intense competition in the field of agricultural technology has promoted the global development of seed-related industries, which has given rise to an urgent need for improved seed quality.High-quality seeds are the building blocks of good seedling performance. One of the most important agents of seed quality is seed vigor, which profoundly influences the potential for tree growth and crop production [1]. Previous studies have demonstrated that seed vigor gradually decreases after harvest and storage [2,3]. Seeds with low vigor always exhibit low germinability, which directly affects agricultural and forestry yields [3]. In Zea mays, a 25% decrease in seed vigor (as indicated by electrical conductivity) resulted in a 37% decline in initial growth [4]. Based on these demonstrated effects of low seed vigor, seed scientists worldwide are focusing on research to improve seed vigor

Methods

Results

Conclusion