Dead Seeds Research Articles

The Potential of Deleterious rhizobacteria to Control Primary Weed <i>Echinochloa </i>sp. on Rice

Deleterious rhizobacteria (DRB) is one of the rhizobacteria that can be used as a bioherbicide and can stimulate plant growth. The objectives that can be obtained from this study are to determine the potential of DRB on the growth of weeds Echinochloa crusgalli and Echinochloa colona on rice. Variables observed in this study were identification of secondary metabolites, measurement of weed sprouts, percentage effectiveness of bacterial isolates against weed seeds, normal sprouts, abnormal sprouts, fresh seeds that did not grow and dead seeds. The aim of this study is to explore biological agents that can be used to control the main weeds of rice crops. This candidate could be a recommendation for environmentally friendly controls. Exploration of the DRB group was obtained by collecting soil samples around the roots of rice crops. Then isolate it, identify as morphologically and physiologically, and test it in vitro studies. The results showed that DRB had the potential to control weed growth and could stimulate the growth of rice. The application of PFA and PFB isolates had a significant effect on inhibiting the length of weed roots and buds, the average percentage of control effectiveness > 80-90%. Novelty in this study could be found as candidate groups of DRB bacteria with specific locations to control the weed Echinochloa sp. on rice crops. For society, this research could be an alternative to reduce dependence on synthetic herbicides . DRB has the potential to be formulated into a bioherbicide to control weeds.

Effect of Productive Tillers on Seed Yield and Seed Quality of Sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor L</i>.) Varieties in Assosa District, Western Ethiopia

Poor management of sorghum tillers is a significant problem in the Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia, affecting seed yield and quality. An experiment was conducted to determine the impact of sorghum productive tillers on seed yield and quality. The study involved two Sorghum varieties (Assosa-1 and Adukara) and three plant types per spot. The treatments were aligned as RCBD and CRD in factorial combination, replicated three and four times for field and laboratory experiments respectively. Varieties influenced TSW (P < 0.0001), Number of tiller influenced by number plants head matured for seed production (P ≤ 0.0001), plants height (P ≤ 0.0004), The interaction effects of varieties and number of tillers per plant influenced yields, Panicle length (P < 0.0001). For laboratory experiments varieties influenced Speed of germination (P < 0.0001), number of Dead seeds (P < 0.0001). Number of tiller influenced Speed of germination (P < 0.0001), number of Dead seeds, shoot length (P < 0.004), Vigor index one and Vigor index two (P≤0.05). The interaction effects of varieties and number of tillers per plant influenced Standard germination (P < 0.001). The main shoot plants had the highest number of fertile sorghum heads (86.5), followed by primary tillers (27.08). Secondary tillers had the highest plant height (96.52 cm). The main shoot plant yielded more seeds than primary and secondary tillers, with the shoot exceeding these yields by 302.96% and 1333%, respectively. Primary and secondary tillers had higher percentages of dead seeds than the main shoot plant, 53.5% and 45.2%, respectively. The primary and secondary tillers experienced a decline in seedling vigour index one over different periods, while the main sorghum plant varieties, Adukara and Assosa-1, showed an upward trend. The germination percentages of the primary and secondary tillers were less than the 85% Ethiopian seed standard requirement. Because sorghum tillers lower seed quality, they should be eliminated for seed production. If sorghum is grown for grain production, secondary tillers have the benefit of raising overall yield production.

Variations in Seed Dormancy Occurrence and Their Classifications in Thirteen Actinidia Species

As differences in seed dormancy between Actinidia species have not been reported previously, in this study we characterized the variation in the dormancy of seeds in 13 kiwifruit species that originated from different regions of China and Taiwan, and for which mature plants are now growing in New Zealand orchards. Dormancy-breaking treatments, including cold-moist stratification, seed coat scarification and soaking in water and gibberellic acid (GA3), were tested for their efficacy in alleviating dormancy and improving final germination and germination rates. In addition, we assessed seed viability using RNA integrity analysis to distinguish dead seeds from dormant seeds. This study identified that dormancy type in Actinidia seeds is species-specific and can be morphological, morphophysiological or a combination of physiological and physical, and that seed RNA integrity is a useful metric to incorporate into seed dormancy studies. Our results also suggest that species originating from colder climates that experience large differences between winter minimum and summer maximum temperatures exhibit physiological dormancy and require cold-moist stratification, contrasting with species originating in milder climates. Interestingly, although not all seeds from all the species were dormant, the proportion of dormant seeds in each species did not correlate to the climatic data of the region from which they originated. These findings provide new insights into mechanisms of seed dormancy in kiwifruit.

The Effect of Heat Shock on Seed Dormancy Release and Germination in Two Rare and Endangered Astragalus L. Species (Fabaceae).

Many Astragalus species exhibit seeds with physical dormancy (PY), but little is known about the ecological context of this dormancy. We focused on A. maritimus and A. verrucosus, two threatened Sardinian endemic species inside the subgenus Trimeniaeus Bunge. Fresh seeds collected from the only two respective known populations were used to investigate the effect of mechanical scarification, heat shock, and water imbibition processes on PY release and germination. PY can be overcome through mechanical scarification of the water-impermeable seed coats, while no dormancy break was detected, nor a subsequent increase in seed germination due to fire-induced heat. This suggests that fire does not trigger dormancy release and seed germination in these species. The seeds tolerate relatively high heat shock temperatures (up to 120 and 100 °C for A. verrucosus and A. maritimus, respectively), but after 120 °C for 10 min, the number of dead seeds increases in both species. These facts suggest the capacity to develop a soil seed bank that can persist after fires and delay germination until the occurrence of optimal conditions. As regards water imbibition, both Astragalus species did not show the typical triphasic pattern, as germination started without further water uptake. This study emphasizes the significance of understanding germination processes and dormancy in threatened species. In fire-prone ecosystems, PY dormancy plays a crucial role in soil seed bank persistence, and it may be selectively influenced by post-fire conditions. Understanding such adaptations provides useful insights into conservation strategies.

Invitro germination and optimization of basal media for protocorm-like bodies proliferation in Dieniaophrydis(J. Koenig) Seidenf

Dienia ophrydis is an endangered terrestrial orchid used for its ornamental and therapeutic purposes. This orchid possesses an anti-malarial alkaloid known as Malaxin. There is ongoing exploitation in the wild due to illegitimate herbal collection and climate change. To control the potential risk of extinction, there are no conservational measures or in vitro protocols established in this genus. The study focuses on addressing a germination protocol and enhancement of protocorm-like bodies (PLB) proliferation by optimizing the basal media and vitamins. It also aims to improve the misinterpretation of tetrazolium viability results in orchid testa along with a permeability test. Further, the seeds were subjected to 1% TTC staining to perform embryo viability test and 0.4% trypan blue (TB) dye for testa permeability. Ten basal media such as Gamborg's medium, Mitra medium, Thomale GD medium, Vacin and Went medium, Knudson C medium, Knop's medium, MS medium and ½ MS medium, ¼ MS medium, and modified MS medium (MMS) were tested for seed germination. The Half-strength MS medium responded with 92% of the highest germination and T-GD medium is not suitable for seed germination. The seed viability and permeability result showed 93% of permeability, 72% viability, and 9% dead seeds. Protocorms were transferred to the modified mMS medium containing half-strength macronutrients, full micronutrients, and 10 ppm of thiamine in vitamin formulation. PLB proliferation was observed and 12 shoots emerged from a single protocorm explant. Subsequently, the seedlings were acclimatized with 8-0-24 ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) as determined by soil testing. The study contributes in experimenting with seed germination of terrestrial orchid seeds asymbiotically and to establishing a protocol for conservation programs, especially in this genus.

Treatment of Seeds Using Essential Oils of Scented Lemongrass,Curcuma xanthorrhiza, and Nutmeg on the Viability of White Corn (Zea mays ceratinaL.)

Seed is a determining factor in cultivation. To maintain seed quality, it is necessary to have a new breakthrough in seed treatment, namely, the use of plant essential oils. Essential oils contain compounds that can repel, kill, and inhibit the development of destructive pests, chemical and semi-chemical components in the form of pheromones, and allelochemicals. This research was conducted to obtain the concentration of essential oil, which is most suitable as a seed protector, before planting to avoid damaging pests and seed-borne pathogens. The research was carried out at the Plant Laboratory 1 of the Lampung State Polytechnic using a randomized completely block design (RCBD), and a further test of the difference that is least significant (LSD) was carried out at the five percentiles. The concentration of essential oils K1:2%, K2:4%, K3:6%, and K0 : control. K0: control. Each concentration was repeated three times. The concentration of 2% (K2) can potentially protect the seed compared to lemongrass and nutmeg at all three concentrations. The use of nutmeg and citronella essential oils at three concentration levels directly affects germination, as seen from the observed indicators of root length, hypocotyl length, strong normal sprouts, weak normal sprouts, abnormal sprouts and dead seeds. This is thought to be due to their high allelochemical content. However, the essential oils of nutmeg and citronella can still be used as a seed treatment with low concentrations of seeds. It is necessary to carry out a vigour test to determine its effect directly in the field so that the most appropriate concentration and application method are obtained in an effort to minimize the effect of allelochemical content on seed growth but still able to protect seeds from destructive pests during the germination period in the field.

Kvalitet semena lucerke iz različitih regiona Srbije u periodu čuvanja do 42 meseca

This study presents the findings from assessing the quality of alfalfa seeds collected from three Serbian regions: in each region, batches of seeds from six places were analyzed. The following criteria were investigated: the proportion of dormant seeds, the germinated seed content, the proportion of dead seeds, and the percentage of aberrant seedlings. Seed quality was assessed after six, eighteen, thirty, and forty-two months of storage. The highest seed quality was obtained after thirty and eighteen months of seed storage (91% and 89% of germination, respectively). During the 42-month storage period, the percentage of dead seeds (8%) and abnormal seedlings (7%) increased, while germination declined to 84%. In a storage period of six months, the participation of dormant seeds of 21% affected the germination rate, which was 77%, regardless of the low proportion of dead seeds (1%) and abnormal seedlings (2%).

Ocena pokazatelja kvaliteta semena hibrida paprike tokom klijanja

The aim of the research was to evaluate the influence of the hybrid and the medium for germination testing on indicators of pepper seed quality. The obtained results should provide an answer as to whether the application of different growing media for testing seed germination can lead to discrepancies between test results in quality indicators for hybrid seeds. The seed quality of three pepper hybrids: KG 2025 F1, KG 2129 F1 and KG 2032 F1 was tested on two growing media (filter paper and substrate). Statistical analysis of germination energy, total germination, diseased seedlings and dead seeds showed highly significant differences (r<0.01) under the influence of the hybrid factor. The growing media factor also had a highly significant effect on all examined quality indicators , except for total germination. A significantly lower number of abnormal and diseased seedlings was found on the filter paper compared to the substrate. A highly negative significant correlation (r =-0.90951, p≤0.001) was recorded only between total germination and diseased seedlings. The obtained results indicate that the application of different media for testing the germination of hybrid pepper seeds can lead to inconsistencies in the obtained values for all evaluated quality indicators.

Seed Longevity in Desert Species and the Possibility of Forming a Persistent Soil Seed Bank

The formation of soil seed banks could be an important survival strategy for desert plant species that determine their persistence under harsh conditions, where temperature is extremely high, and chances of rainfall are low and unpredictable. Therefore, the assessment of the seed viability and germination potential of in-situ stored seeds could be important for understanding their reproductive strategies. Seeds of the studied species were collected in 2017 and divided into two batches. The first batch (fresh seeds) of each species was tested for seed germination within one week after collection. However, the second batch (in-situ stored seeds) was tested for seed germination in the first week of October 2022. In the current study, the germination potential of in-situ stored seeds was investigated in order to determine their ability to remain viable under natural conditions. Stored seeds of studied species showed higher germination percentages (53–89%) than fresh seeds (3–34%), except for Peganum harmala, indicating the presence of seed dormancy at the time of seed maturation. Seed germination percentages of all the species were significantly enhanced by storage, indicating their ability to form persistent soil seed banks, although the extent was species-specific. Fresh seeds of all the species attained higher germination in light as compared to complete darkness, suggesting that the germination of seeds can be restricted if they are buried deep in the soil under natural conditions. However, depending on species, in-situ seed storage changed the light requirement for germination. Additionally, the absence of an increase in the ratio of dead seeds between fresh and stored seeds indicates their ability to remain persistent in a soil seed bank and thus may offer great potential for maintaining and restoring desert ecosystems.

Characterization of Brazilian black oat genotypes regarding seed dormancy

The objective of this work was to characterize 30 black oat genotypes regarding seed dormancy. The experiment was carried out in the 2018 and 2019 seasons in a completely randomized design with three factors, being 30 black oat genotypes, two methods of seed germination analysis (with and without dormancy breaking) and five evaluation periods (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after harvest), distributed in four replicates. In each postharvest period, the variables: normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings, number of dormant seeds and number of dead seeds were analyzed. There was significant interaction between factors during the two years of experimentation. In the 2018 season, the percentage of dormant seeds at period zero ranged from 47 to 3% in the method with overcoming dormancy, 86 to 33% in the method without overcoming dormancy. The genotypes ALPHA 1629 and IAPAR 61- Ibiporã presented highest dormancy. In the 2019 season, the percentage of dormant seeds at period zero ranged from 56 to 3% with overcoming dormancy and 85 to 12% without overcoming dormancy. There is variability of dormancy among genotypes and this is overcome after 60 days of harvest. The IAPAR 61-Ibiporã genotype have highest of dormancy seeds.

Morphophysiology of creol seeds in genotypes of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Creole seeds are considered a local heritage because of their natural biological ability to adapt to different environments. Maintenance of seed vigor has been a challenge for farmers, often because of prolonged droughts and/or lack of technical assistance, making it difficult to renew seed vigor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphophysiological characteristics of native seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris genotypes. Seeds were provided by the custodian of the Creole community seed bank in the municipality of Piranhas, AL. The following were evaluated: weight of one thousand seeds (PMS g), water content (TA%), germination index (IG%), germination speed index (IVG), seedling length (CP cm), and seedling dry mass (MSP g). Scott Knott was used at 5% probability, and all analyses followed the Rules for Seed Analysis. For water content, the varieties ranged from 6.9% to 11.78% moisture. For PMS, the genotypes ranged from 351 to 123.5 g. In terms of germination, the bean genotypes presented 29 to 85% and one presented 100% dead seeds. The seeds were stored with the recommended water content, and the Creole genotypes showed great diversity in their sizes, a factor that impacts storage and planting planning. For varieties that presented germination values below 70%, it must be observed whether it is related to a specific factor of a crop and/or the storage conditions and time. Black presented good averages for all morphophysiological characteristics.

Bio-stimulants derived from seaweed enhance true shallot seed (TSS) growth

The obstacles that farmers face by using the True Shallot Seed (TSS) due to the germination ability. In a laboratory level, the application of bio-stimulants was tested to enhance the TSS germination. Two types of bio-stimulants namely Bio A and Bio B with 16 treatment were tested with the TSS. Hypocotyl length, speed of seed germination, germination percentage, seedling growth rate, number of dead seeds and abnormal seeds, number of fungi-infected and bacteria-infected seeds were all measured. The results showed that soaking in Bio A for 1-3 hours reduced 38%-46% of seeds attacked by seed-borne bacteria compared to the control. The Bio B treatment had a better effect on the speed of seed germination and germination percentage parameters, compared to Bio A.

Respon Viabilitas dan Pertumbuhan 4 Genotipe Sorgum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) Pasca Simpan 14 Tahun pada Suhu 50C

The research aimed to obtained the viability response of sorghum seeds and their growth after being stored for 14 years at 50C. This study was designed using a randomized block design with 1 factor (genotype). The treatment consisted of 4 genotypes, namely Kawali variety, Numbu variety, S1 line and S4 line. Each treatment was repeated 9 times so that there were 36 experimental units. Each experimental unit consisted of 1 plant. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the percentage of normal germination, the percentage of dead seeds, growth speed, plant height and number of leaves were not affected by genotype. The average percentage of normal germination was 41.71%, the percentage of dead seeds was 58.29%, the growth rate was 12.12%. The average plant height at 5 weeks after planting was 117.55 cm with an average number of leaves was 8.5.

THERMOTHERAPY IN THE CONTROL OF Fusarium spp. IN ANGICO SEEDS [Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan] AND MAINTENANCE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY

Thermal treatment is frequently used to overcome dormancy in forest seeds; however, it can also be used to control seed-born pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of thermotherapy in controlling Fusarium sp. in angico seeds [Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan] collected in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, and its effect on physiological quality. Nine seed sources located in the municipalities of São João do Cariri - PB, Boa Vista - PB, and Sumé - PB were selected for this study. For the sanitary test, the treatments were composed of untreated seeds (control), chemical treatment, and thermal treatment at temperatures of 50, 60, and 70 °C immersed for 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes. The same treatments were used in the germination test, and the percentage of germination, first count, dead seeds, seedling length, and germination speed index were evaluated. The results showed that the thermal treatments effectively reduced Fusarium sp. in the seeds. Thermotherapy did not negatively affect the physiological quality of angico seeds and led to an increase in germination percentage.

Impact of essential oils on seed quality and seed-borne pathogens of Altheaofficinalis seeds of different ages

BackgroundThe cultivation of medicinal plants is a promising alternative to overcoming problems in the overharvesting of wild plants and ecosystem degradation. Cultivation depends upon two major factors: seed quality and the presence of seed-borne pathogens. Organic production of marshmallow plants (Altheaofficinalis L.) does not allow for the use of conventional pesticides. This study aimed to find an environmentally safe solution and the equilibrium between seed germination and the presence of fungal pathogens. The study was performed on a population of marshmallows which were cultivated for a period of 3 years (2018–2020) in Pančevo, The Republic of Serbia. The following six essential oils: Origanumvulgare L.,Cinnamomumcassia Presl.,Ocimumbasilicum L.,Carumcarvi L.,Menthapiperita L.,Lavandulaangustifolia Mill. at five concentrations (1%, 0.5%, 0.2%, 0.02%, 0.002%) were used for seed treatment along with water and PEG-40 (emulsifier) as controls. Germination, dormant seeds, dead seeds, abnormal seedlings and the presence of seed-borne pathogens were determined under laboratory conditions.ResultsAmong the aforementioned treatments using oregano, cinnamon, basil, caraway, mint, and lavender essential oils, the most effective treatment resulted with lavender essential oil at a concentration of 0.02% in 3-year-old seeds. The highest values for seed germination and dead seeds were 46% and 20% in 3-year-old seeds, respectively. This treatment increased seed germination by 13%, and seedling growth i.e., the growth of seedling stems and radicles by 24–35%, respectively. It also reduced the presence of seed-borne fungal pathogens from 53 to 100%.ConclusionsThe results revealed that an increase in seed germination rate and simultaneous reduction in seed-borne fungal infection was achieved with the lavender essential oil seed treatments. This is the first discovery of the stimulating effect of lavender essential oil on seed quality parameters. Furthermore, the study demonstrates its potential application in seed processing in the organic production of marshmallow plants.Graphical

Discrimination of individual seed viability by using the oxygen consumption technique and headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry

It is crucial to identify and select high-quality seeds for improving crop yield. The purpose of this study was to improve the selection of crop seeds for separating vital seeds from dead seeds, by predicting the potential germination ability for each seed, and thus improve seed quality. The oxygen consumption (Q) of seed and the headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) were evaluated for identifying single seed viability. Firstly, the oxygen consumption technique was the hope, for the difference was found among values relative to respiratory characteristics across seeds vital or not, in final oxygen consumption (Q120), which was achieved not only on sweet corn seeds but also on pepper and wheat seeds. Besides, a new variable, Qt, was established to shorten the measuring process in the Q2 procedure, which was significantly related to the viability of individual seeds. To minimize seed damage during measurement, the timing for viability evaluation was pinpointed at the 12th, 6th and 9th hour for pepper, sweet corn, and wheat seeds based on the new variable concerning oxygen consumption (Q12, Q6 and Q9), respectively. The accuracies for viability prediction were 91.9, 97.7 and 96.2%, respectively. Dead seeds were identified and hence discarded, leading to an enhancement in the quality of the seed lot regarding an increase in germination percentage, all from 86.6, 90.9, and 53.8% to 100%. We then tried the HS-GC-IMS to determine the viability of single sweet corn seed, for corn seed has a heavier weight to make the volatile gas components most likely to be detected. A total of 48 peaks were identified, of which 38 target compounds were characterized, including alcohols, aldehydes, acids and esters. However, there were no significant difference between the vital and dead seeds, due to the trace amount volatile composition difference among individual seeds. Furthermore, the PCA based on the signal intensity of the target volatile compounds obtained lost its effectiveness, unable to distinguish those two types of sweet corn seeds. These strategies can provide a reference for rapid detection of single seed viability.

Promena pokazatelja kvaliteta semena različitih hibrida krastavca tokom pet godina starenja

The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of year and seed hybrids on the most significant indicators of the seed quality of cucumber. Testing the quality of seeds of three different hybrids of cucumber: Centauro F1, Edona F1 and Solatio F1 was carried out during a five-year period (2018 - 2022). Analysis of germination energy, seed germination, abnormal seedlings and dead seeds cucumber showed highly significant differences (r<0.01) under the influence of individual factors of the year (Y) and hybrid seed (H), as well as their interaction (Y × H). The seed germination of the examined hybrids by year slowly decreases and is the lowest at 94% in the fifth year (2022). The strongest positive correlation was established between germination energy and seed germination (r = 0.95635, p<0.001) and between abnormal seedlings and dead seeds (r = 0.92301, p<0.001). As expected, a negative and highly significant (p < 0.001) correlation was established between germination energy and: abnormal seedlings (r = -0.94535) and dead seeds (r = -0.93255). Likewise, a strongest negative (p < 0.001) correlation was found between seed germination and: abnormal seedlings (r = - 0.97497) and dead seeds (r = -0.98545). The obtained results indicate that the germination energy and seed germination of highly hybrid conventional cucumber seeds decreases significantly after the third year of aging, but only in the case of the Edona F1 hybrid.

Primena esencijalnih ulja lavande i nane za poboljšanje osobina semena lucerke (Medicago sativa L.)

Essential oils (EOs) are widely studied in agriculture. The study's objective was to examine the impact of EOs on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seed dormancy. The four different varieties of alfalfa were used for the experiment (Zaječarka-83, Banatska-VS, K-28, Novosadska H-11). Two essential oils, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) were applied at four concentrations:1%, 0.5%, 0.2%, and 0.02%, along with water as a control. Germination, dormant seeds and dead seeds were evaluated in a laboratory setting according to ISTA rules. The type of EOs had no discernible influence on germinated seeds, dormancy, and dead seeds. Both EOs in concentrations of 1% and 0.5% inhibited seed germination. The maximum germination of 91.66% was achieved with the Novosadska H-11 variety using lavender oil at a concentration of 0.02%, with reduced dormancy. Varieties Zaječarka-83 and Banatska-VS had the highest level of dead and dormant seeds when lavender and peppermint EOs were applied at a concentration of 0.2%. This study showed that both EOs at a concentration of 0.02% had a stimulatory effect on seed germination, simultaneously reducing seed dormancy, emphasizing their potential use for seed quality improvement in organic farming.

Technical Report: Quality Assurance for 125I Seed Sources in Permanent Prostate Brachytherapy

This technical report provides useful information on the current status and issues of quality control in 125I seed source strength measurement for Permanent Prostate Brachytherapy in Japan.With the spread of 125I seed brachytherapy, the traceability of source strength measurements with the single-seed assay was established in Japan. This allows medical facilities to measure reference air kerma rate of 125I seeds with their own well-type of ionization chamber. However, it is difficult to maintain the traceability chain because the 125I reference air kerma rate standards have been hardly utilized by medical facilities so far. Meanwhile, some serious incidents of contamination of the different source strengths and dead seeds were reported in Japan.To address the specific issues in Japan, JASTRO Brachytherapy Subcommittee established a working group (WG) in 2021. The goal of this WG is to investigate the management methods of source strength measurement used in medical facilities, and to discuss the ideal and practicable methods of source management such as verifying the number of seeds and source strength. Initially, a questionnaire survey was conducted to facilities offering 125I seed brachytherapy in Japan. Sixty-seven out of 95 facilities responded (response rate 70.5%). This survey revealed that 41% of facilities did not perform either confirmation of the number of seeds or measurement of source strength. There are several reasons why the source strength was not measured in those facilities. For example, 125I seeds are provided under the sterilized conditions; quality assurance by source suppliers is reliable; and there is not sufficient staff.The single-seed assay is regarded as an internationally standardized and the most reliable measurement method. Therefore, it is an essential measurement technique to ensure traceability of source strength measurements. However, our survey found that most Japanese facilities do not perform single-seed assays. Meanwhile, some facilities have performed batch assay as an alternative method, in which all of the multiple sources in a batch are measured while loaded into sterilized cartridges. Although the measurement by the batch assay is less accurate than the one by the single-seeded assay, the batch assay does not require re-sterilization of the source and can be performed quickly. It might be useful to detect unexpected errors such as differences in the number of sources and abnormalities in source strength.In this report, we will introduce several methods of source strength measurement that have been implemented in medical facilities. The quality assurance of 125I seed sources in prostate interstitial brachytherapy should be provided not only by the source suppliers but also by the medical facilities that use sources to treat patients. We hope that medical facilities will refer to this technical report and use it as an aid to quality assurance in their own facilities.

Classification of lentil seed vigor based on seedling image analysis techniques and interactive machine learning

Abstract: The search for techniques that allow for the rapid and accurate assessment of seed vigor, such as the Seedling Analysis System (SAPL®) and ILASTIK®, can be promising alternatives for seedling image analysis. The objective of this work was to classify the vigor of lentil seeds using seedling image analysis techniques and interactive machine learning. Seeds from seven lots were characterized for physiological potential through germination and vigor tests. For computerized seedling analysis, the seeds were subjected to seedling growth tests at 20 °C for three, four, five, and ten days, and then photographed using a digital camera. The images were processed using SAPL® software, yielding values for total length, root length, shoot length, and vigor, growth, and uniformity indices. ILASTIK® provided data on the percentage of vigorous seedlings, non-vigorous seedlings, and dead seeds. The total length of seedlings, root length, shoot length, and vigor indices determined at 4 days of germination by SAPL® allowed for the classification of lots in terms of vigor. Data obtained by ILASTIK® at 4 days of germination, used in machine learning studies, enable the development of models with high accuracy for seed vigor assessment.