Physical and physiological quality of Jatropha curcas L. seeds at different maturity stages using image analysis

Daniel T Pinheiro,Manuel J Zavala-León,Laércio J Da Silva,Denise C F S Dias,André D Medeiros

doi:10.5424/sjar/2020183-16028

Abstract

Aim of study: To assess the potential of automated X-ray image analysis to evaluate the physical characteristics of Jatropha curcas seeds, and to relate the parameters obtained with the physiological quality of the seeds harvested at different maturity stages.Area of study: Experimental area of Agronomy Department, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Brazil.Material and methods: The fruits were harvested from 20 plants, based on the external skin color (green, yellow, brownish-yellow and brown). The study was performed by automated and visual analysis of radiographic images of the seeds, in which measurements of tissue integrity, density and seed filling were performed. Seed dry matter, germination and seedling growth were also analysed.Main results: Variables obtained through automated analysis of radiographic images correlated significantly with all physiological variables (r > 0.9), as well as visual image evaluations (r > 0.75). The seeds extracted from green fruits presented lower tissue integrity and lower physiological quality. Radiographic analysis was efficient for monitoring J. curcas seed quality at different maturity stages. Morpho-anatomical parameters obtained from X-ray analysis were highly correlated with seed physiological attributes.Research highlights: It is important to develop and improve methodologies based on lower-cost techniques, such as X-ray analysis. In this context, we verified that X-ray images can be used for monitoring J. curcas seed filling and maturation. Radiographic images of seeds can be analyzed automatically with ImageJ software. Internal morphology and physical characteristics of seeds have relationship with their physiological quality.

Highlights

Jatropha curcas L. produces seeds with high oil content
When compared to seeds obtained from green fruits, it is possible to observe a significant increase in the dry matter of seeds obtained from yellow, brownish-yellow and brown fruits
Significant higher dry matter content was observed in seeds obtained from yellow-brown fruits, while there was a reduction in the dry matter of seeds from brown fruits (Fig. 2)

Summary

Introduction

Jatropha curcas L. produces seeds with high oil content. Among its main uses are biodiesel production (Kamel et al, 2018), antibacterial and antifungal action (Haq et al., 2019; Hu et al, 2019) and, to a lesser extent, the production of by-products such as cosmetics, biopesticides, fertilizers and others, which enhance the potential of this species on the world agricultural scenario (Montes & Melchinger, 2016; Mazumdar et al, 2018).Daniel T. Jatropha curcas L. produces seeds with high oil content. Among its main uses are biodiesel production (Kamel et al, 2018), antibacterial and antifungal action (Haq et al., 2019; Hu et al, 2019) and, to a lesser extent, the production of by-products such as cosmetics, biopesticides, fertilizers and others, which enhance the potential of this species on the world agricultural scenario (Montes & Melchinger, 2016; Mazumdar et al, 2018).

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