Analysis of the physical properties of spindle seeds for seed sorting operations

Zdzisław Kaliniewicz,Piotr Markowski,Paweł Tylek,Danuta Owoc,Andrzej Anders

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-93166-z

Abstract

The relationships between the basic physical properties of seeds of selected spindle species were evaluated for the needs of seed sorting operations. Physical properties were measured in the seeds of five spindle species, and the presence of relationships between these attributes was determined in correlation and regression analyses. The average values of the evaluated parameters were determined in the following range: terminal velocity—from 9.2 to 10.3 m s−1, thickness—from 2.57 to 3.26 mm, width—from 2.87 to 3.74 mm, length—from 3.94 to 5.52 mm, angle of external friction—from 20.7° to 24.6°, mass—from 16.5 to 33.8 mg. Spindle seeds were arranged in the following ascending order based on their geometric mean diameter: winged spindle, Hamilton’s spindle, large-winged spindle, broadleaf spindle and European spindle. Spindle seeds should be separated in a sieve equipped with at least two mesh screens with slotted apertures. Depending on the processed spindle species, aperture size should range from ≠ 2.7 to ≠ 3.5 mm in the top screen, and from ≠ 2.4 to ≠ 3.0 mm in the bottom screen.

Highlights

In view of the above, the aim of this study was to determine the relationships between the basic physical properties of the seeds of various spindle species for the purpose of planning and performing seed sorting operations
The coefficient of determination was high ( R2 = 0.72, F(1,581) = 1458.4) for the relationship between seed thickness and seed mass. These results indicate that spindle seeds should be separated with the use of mesh screens with round or slotted apertures
A comparison of variations in seed mass in different size fractions revealed that the optimal ratio of coefficients of variation (9:6) was obtained by dividing seeds into three fractions based on seed thickness. These findings indicate that to common beech s eeds[59], seeds of selected spruce species[60] and fir seeds[37], and hemp s eeds[62], spindle seeds should be sorted with the use of mesh screens with slotted apertures

Summary

Objectives

In view of the above, the aim of this study was to determine the relationships between the basic physical properties of the seeds of various spindle species for the purpose of planning and performing seed sorting operations

Methods

Results

Conclusion