Seed Quality Analysis Research Articles

High-throughput seed quality analysis in faba bean: leveraging Near-InfraRed spectroscopy (NIRS) data and statistical methods

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a high-throughput phenotyping technique to assist breeding for improved faba bean seed quality. We combined chemical analysis of protein, oil content (and composition) with NIRS through chemometrics, employing Partial Least Squares (PLS), Elastic Net (EN), Memory-based Learning (MBL), and Bayes B (BB) as prediction models. Protein was the most reliably predicted trait (R2 = 0.96–0.98) across field trials, followed by oil (R2 = 0.82–0.86) and oleic acid (R2 = 0.31–0.68). Samples for training the models were selected using K-means clustering. The optimal statistical approach for prediction was compound-specific: PLS for protein (Root Mean Squared Error - RMSE = 0.46), BB for oil (RMSE = 0.067), and EN for oleic acid content (RMSE = 2.83). Reduced training set simulations revealed different effects on prediction accuracy depending on the model and compound. Several NIR regions were pinpointed as highly informative for the compounds, using the shrinkage and variable selection capabilities of EN and BB.

Optimization of sample size in the quality analysis of soybean seeds: a bayesian approach

The objective of this work was to optimize, through the Bayesian approach, sample size in the germination test of soybean seeds, maintaining the decision-making and the desired precision. Data from eight soybean seed lots were used, and the Beta distribution was used with a priori distribution for the proportion parameter. Non-informative and informative a priori distributions were evaluated using information from the compliance terms and the results obtained in the redistribution company laboratory. According to the Rules for Seed Analysis, for lots with more than 60 bags, samples of 30 bags must be taken. To evaluate the effect of the sample reduction, of the 30 bags required, 5000 sub-samples were randomly selected, of sample sizes (n = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28). Decision-making was based on the limits and breadth of the 95% credible interval and the Bayes Factor. The informative a priori distribution based on the results obtained in the quality laboratory of the previous year allowed for an average reduction of 78.3% of the sample size, and, in any scenario, using samples of size 10, maintains the precision and the decision made when n = 30.

Peanut maturity detection assessment using cross-layer multi-perception neural network based on hyperspectral sensory image feature observation

Artificial intelligence has played a significant role in the expansion of the agriculture industry in recent times by evaluating data and making recommendations for better production. An automated method for determining significant information in seed quality analysis is the peanut maturity analysis in image processing through sensory images. The majority of the time, changes in picture intensity result in feature independence and precise maturity level determination. Therefore, agricultural precision in identifying essential features is low. To address this issue, we suggest employing a Cross-Layer Multi-Perception Neural Network (CLMPNN) for hyperspectral sensory image feature observation in order to determine the optimal assessment of peanut maturity in agriculture. The sensing unit first determines the angular cascade projection’s (ACP) structural dependencies for the peanut pod structure. With the aid of color-intensive saturation, the entity projection of pod growth is found using the Slicing Fragment Segmentation (SFS) technique. This generates the various entity variations by integrating relational maturity and non-maturity findings with spectral values. Next, cross-layer multi-perception neural networks are trained with hyperspectral values optimized by LSTM to distinguish between mature and immature pods. In comparison to the other system, this one does exceptionally well in precision agriculture, with a 98.6 well recall rate, a 97.3% classification accuracy, and a 98.9% production accuracy.

Assessment of the quality status of farm-saved maize (Zea mays l.) seeds in a lake zone, Tanzania

A study was conducted to assess the quality of farm-saved maize seeds in the Lake Zone of Tanzania about the seeds’ source (regions), drying methods, and packaging materials used by farmers. Seed samples were collected during the 2021/22 planting season. During seed sampling, information on seed source, drying method, and packaging materials was recorded and submitted to the TOSCI seed laboratory for seed quality analysis. Seed quality analysis was performed in the laboratory according to ISTA standards procedures. A factorial experiment with three factors: source of seeds, drying methods, and packaging materials 6 x 2 x 2 was used in RCBD. Results showed that all collected samples had moisture content that met the required standards for commercial seed classes, 85% of samples collected did not meet the germination percentage as per Tanzanian standards, and 54% of samples collected met the required seed purity as per Tanzanian standards. There was a highly significant variation across production areas and treatment combinations on all seed quality attributes. Seeds that were dried on tarpaulins and packed in hermetic bags were high quality compared to those that were dried on bare ground and packed in polypropylene bags. Conclusively, very few samples reached the required minimum quality standards as per Tanzanian regulations. This signifies that farmers are limited in the production of quality seeds. To have quality seeds, farmers should improve their seed management techniques or methods when saving the seeds.

Homoeologous non-reciprocal translocation explains a major QTL for seed lignin content in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)

Key messageA homoeologous non-reciprocal translocation was identified in the major QTL for seed lignin content in the low lignin line SGDH14. The lignin biosynthetic gene PAL4 was deleted.Oilseed rape is a major oil crop and a valuable protein source for animal and human nutrition. Lignin is a non-digestible, major component of the seed coat with negative effect on sensory quality, bioavailability and usage of oilseed rape’s protein. Hence, seed lignin reduction is of economic and nutritional importance. In this study, the major QTL for reduced lignin content found on chromosome C05 in the DH population SGDH14 x Express 617 was further examined. SGDH14 had lower seed lignin content than Express 617. Harvested seeds from a F2 population of the same cross were additionally field tested and used for seed quality analysis. The F2 population showed a bimodal distribution for seed lignin content. F2 plants with low lignin content had thinner seed coats compared to high lignin lines. Both groups showed a dark seed colour with a slightly lighter colour in the low lignin group indicating that a low lignin content is not necessarily associated with yellow seed colour. Mapping of genomic long-reads from SGDH14 against the Express 617 genome assembly revealed a homoeologous non-reciprocal translocation (HNRT) in the confidence interval of the major QTL for lignin content. A homologous A05 region is duplicated and replaced the C05 region in SGDH14. As consequence several genes located in the C05 region were lost in SGDH14. Thus, a HNRT was identified in the major QTL region for reduced lignin content in the low lignin line SGDH14. The most promising candidate gene related to lignin biosynthesis on C05, PAL4, was deleted.

Prevalence of fungi associated with seven wheat varieties and seed quality analysis

Seven varieties of wheat seeds, such as BARI Gom-25, BARI Gom-26, BARI Gom-27, BARI Gom-28, BARI Gom-29, BARI Gom-30 and Kanchan were studied to determine the prevalence of seedborne fungi and their effects on germinating seeds and seedlings. The seeds were categorized into apparently healthy seeds, black point seeds, and shriveled and undersized seeds. Variation in different parameters (viz.Grading, weight, purity percentage, germination and seedling growth) became evident among the varieties. Seed health test on blotters and agar plate method showed that the major fungi associated with healthy seeds and black point seeds were Alternaria alternata, A. triticina, Bipolaris sorokiniana, B. tetramera, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium spp., and species of Aspergillus. The incidence of B. sorokiniana increased with increasing severity of black point infection. Reduction in germination, seedling emergence, plant stand, root and shoot growth, and vigor index were directly related with the severity of black point. Aspergillus spp. were seen more frequently associated with non-germinated seeds. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2022, 8(1): 33-48

Effect of a low seed lignin content on seed yield and quality in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus)

AbstractIncreasing demand for vegetable oil and protein requires breeding efforts to enhance the yield of oilseed rape. This can be achieved by reducing seed cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content. The objective of the study was to analyse seed yield and important agronomic traits of two distinct bulks of genotypes from two crosses, with low (6%) and high seed lignin content (10%). The two genotype bulks were formed by mixing seeds of 12 doubled haploid lines with either low or high lignin content. The genotypes were selected from two large doubled haploid populations based on lignin content, flowering time and plant height. The bulks were field‐tested in replicated yield trials. Seed quality analysis confirmed significant differences in seed lignin content between the two bulks. Seed oil content was moderately higher in the low lignin bulks of both crosses. Seed, oil and protein yield in both crosses were moderately to significantly higher in the low lignin bulks. Further breeding for reduced fibre content will help increase seed oil and protein content.

A Quality and Economic Analysis of Non-fermented Chocolate Seeds, Young Surian Leaves, and Ginger on Chocolate Drink Formulas

This study aims to obtain beverages that meet the quality requirements of chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties from a combination of non-fermented cocoa beans, young surian leaves, and ginger as natural ingredients widely available in Indonesia and to analyze the product’s financial feasibility. Sensory properties were analyzed using the hedonic scale method to find the best formula. The ANOVA test has shown that the beverage formulas have no significantly different aroma and flavor (the sig. (P) > 0.01) but have significantly different colors and appearance (the sig. (P) < 0.01). The chocolate drink has a quality of chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties; thus it potentially becomes a beverage rich in antioxidants. The financial feasibility analysis results agree with the BEP, NPV, Net B/C, and PBP and express that the beverage business is potentially conducted.

Efficacy of Insecticides Applied to Soybean Seeds for Controlling Lepidoptera Caterpillars

The use of high-quality seeds is essential for the crop to express its full potential. The application of seed treatment constitutes a widely spread operation, every year new products are discovered and used for seed treatment, which can provide a protective effect against pests that attack the seeds, as well as physiological effects to favor the growth and initial development of plants, however, little is known about the influence of insecticides on seed germination and the emergence of soybean seedlings. The experiment was carried out in the Seed Quality Analysis Laboratory and in the experimental field of the Agrarian Sciences Faculty of the National University of Asunci&amp;oacute;n-Paraguay. The objective consisted of evaluating the efficacy of chemical insecticides applied to soybean seeds to control lepidopteran caterpillars during the implantation of the crop, and the effect on the germination of seeds in the laboratory and the emergence in the field. Commercial soybean seeds were used and the treatments were the following (in cc of c.p./100 kg seeds): control (without treatment), thiamethoxam (200), cyantraniliprole + thiamethoxam (200), thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin (200), imidacloprid (400), imidacloprid + thiodicarb (500) and fipronil (200). The variables evaluated were: germination under laboratory conditions, number of larvae presented at 14, 21 and 28 days after emergence, seedling emergence and efficacy of chemical products in the field. The design used in the field was complete block to the random and in laboratory fully randomized, with seven treatments and 4 replications with a total of 28 experimental units for both trials. The data obtained were compared through the analysis of variance using the statistical software SASM-Agri and those variables that presented significant statistical differences between the means of the treatments were compared using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability, while efficacy was determined by the Abbot formula. The data show that the chemical insecticides did not affect the germination of seeds in the doses tested. The highest percentages of emergence in the field were obtained with the insecticides thiamethoxam, cyantraniliprole + thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and imidacloprid + thiodicarb. At 28 day after seedling emergence the active ingredients cyantraniliprole + thiamethoxam and imidacloprid + thiodicarb achieved the greatest reduction in the lepidoptera population. Seed treatment with the active ingredients used in this study is an effective practice for the control of Spodoptera frugiperda, Spodoptera cosmioides and Agrotis ipsilon caterpillars during the initial stage of soybean cultivation.

Trans-generational response of TiO2 nanoparticles in inducing variability and changes in biochemical pool of lentil F2 progenies

Investigations were carried out to analyze the role of anatase nanoparticles in inducing genetic variability in lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.) for yield improvement and subsequent involvement in development, quality, and biochemical response of second-generation seedlings through their lifecycle. Trans-generational alterations in the morphological and biochemical pool of the plant system were evaluated over a range of concentrations (25-200 µg/mL). Analysis of F2 seedlings showed an increase in yield parameters at the lowest concentration (25 µg/mL). Biochemical studies revealed that the F2 plants experienced lower oxidative stress as compared with previous generation plants. Quality analysis of seeds revealed a slight positive shift in the mean values of seed protein content at the lowest concentration. The effect of nanoparticles on the growth parameters was antagonistic except at the lowest concentration, where the growth parameters were found to be slightly higher than in the controls. The variability present in different traits in the F2 populations was quantified as phenotypic variability and its components, which is a measure of the transmissibility of variations of the so-called mutated populations as a result of nanoparticle application.

Seed system and seed quality of Kersting’s groundnut in Benin

Swift delivery of quality seeds to farming communities is a fundamental step in mainstreaming the value chain of orphan crops. The objective of this study was to characterise seed production and delivery systems of the orphan Kersting’s groundnut (KG) [Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Maréchal &amp; Baudet] and their influence on seed quality in Benin. A survey was conducted among 305 farmers from the major KG growing areas in Benin. A total of 60 seed samples were collected from different sources (farmer own seed, local markets and agro-dealers) for quality tests. The results showed that seed sources, acquisition modes and perceived quality differed significantly (P&lt;0.01) among gender groups and with farming experience. Majority of farmers (74.93%) perceived seeds acquired from the local markets and seed stored in non-hermetic conditions as of poor quality compared to seeds sourced from their own stock and stored in hermetic conditions. Yet, the seed quality analysis revealed no differences (P&lt;0.05) among the sources and storage methods. Less than 20% of the tested samples met the national quality standards suggesting an important quality constraint in the current system which may justify the reported low yield and crop failure.

Physical characterization ex-situ reproduction of Chamaedorea metallica non-timber forest resource

Seed quality analysis determines factors that can affect a seed lot or samples. The aim of the studio was determine physical qualityof a lot of seeds of the Chamaedorea metallica collected in two fruiting periods; March to September 2018 and February to April2019; They were collected from mother plants of Chamaedorea metallica in the Ye`tsil garden at the Technological Institute of theValley of Oaxaca. The fruits presented purple-purple coloration in the exocarp; they were cleaning process to obtain the seeds,which consisted of soaking the fruits in water for 48 hours, they washed with running water until the mesocarp was completelydetached. The seeds dried under shade for five days on bond paper. The analysis carried out according to the minimum parametersmentioned by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). Data of percentage of purity, weight, number of seeds per kgandmoisture content obtained. The data from the physical analysis differed in both years, obtaining the best results in moisture contentand weight in the seeds collected in 2019. We concluded that the seeds of the mother plants of Chamaedorea metallica are of goodquality; that the collection period and the time of the fruit on the plant influence their quality.

Interrelationship Among Seed Quality Parameters and Fungi Associated with Seeds of Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.)

A total of twenty nine species of fungi namely Aspergillus aculeatus Lizuka, A. flavus Link, A. fumigatus Fresenius, A. niger Van Tiegh, A. nidulans Eidam, A. subramanianii Visagie, Frisvad &amp; Samson, A. tamariiKita G., A. toxicarius Murak, A. wentii Wehmer, Curvularial unata (Wakker) Boedijn, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc., C. gossypii Southw., Chaetomium globosum Kunze., Fusarium moniliforme J. Shelden, F. nivale (Fr.) Sorauer, F. oxysporum Schlechtendal, F. fujikuroi Nirenberg, F. solani(Mart.) Sacc., Lasiodiplodiatheobromae (Pat.) Griffon &amp; Maubl., Meyerozyma guilliermondii (Wick.) Kurtzman &amp; M. Suzuki., Mucor sp. P. Micheli ex L., Penicillium aculeatum Raper&amp; Fennell, Penicillium citrinum Thom, Rhizoctonia solani Khun., Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehrenb.) Vuill., Rhizopus oryzae Went &amp; Prins. Geerl., Rhizo mucor sp. Luce t &amp; Costantin, Syncephalastrum racemosum Cohn and Trichoderma viride Pers. were found to be associated with the seeds of 14 varieties viz. CB-1 to CB-14 of cotton. Seed quality analysis showed that percentage of pure seeds, germination, moisture, seedling mortality and associated fungi with different varieties of cotton seeds varies from 97.08-99.92%, 80-93%, 10-11.3%, 16.05-50.30% and 24-78.0% respectively. Present study deals with estimation of interrelationship between some quality factors through correlation and regression analysis are important for the assessment of seed quality. There were negative correlations between seedling mortality and purity percentage and between germination rate and fungus frequency. On the other hand, positive correlations were found between germination rate and purity percentage, between seedling mortality and fungus frequency, between purity percentage and fungus frequency, between germination rate and seed moisture and between fungus frequency and seed moisture. CB 8 was superior from the other cotton variety as it showed higher physical purity of seed (98.41%), higher seed germination (92%), lower fungal incidence (24%) and lower mortality of seedling (23.91%). Bioresearch Commu. 8(1): 1061-1067, 2022 (January)

Development of computer program for automatic X-ray analysis of quality of vegetable seeds

Traditional morphometric methods of seed quality analysis, although they are accurate, are less informative, labor-intensive and long-term in execution. In modern conditions, in seed science and seed control, the use of more informative and high-speed instrumental methods is required. The method of microfocus X-ray of seeds is one of them, it allows you to visualize the internal structure of seeds. In the joint work of employees of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center, Agrophysical Research Institute and St. Petersburg State Electrotechnical University, Research Institute for Storage Problems of "Rosrezerv", a method of X-ray analysis of the quality of vegetable seeds was developed and tested. Currently, programming, automation of this method is underway. The method of digital analysis of X-ray images in automatic mode comes as a replacement for the previously applied visual analysis of seed radiographs. A modernized software and hardware complex was developed and tested, a program algorithm was compiled, consisting of several stages. As a result, the quality analysis of seeds is significantly accelerated by visualizing their internal structure. The newly developed computer program "Sortsemkontrol-2" recognizes seeds according to the following qualitative indicators: full-value, underdevelopment, undevelopment, monstrous. The analysis results are automatically reported as a log. The fractional analysis of the seed batch is also carried out, the dimensional characteristic of each fraction is given, according to the two largest adjacent fractions, the equalization of the seed batch is determined. Fractional analysis of a batch of seeds is of great practical importance for pre-production of seeds. In the future, the application of the computer program "Sortsemkontrol-2" will provide an accelerated, at the same time informative analysis of the quality of seeds, which is very important in the conditions of commercialization of seed turnover.

Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) bulk mass modeling based on engineering properties

AbstractHempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) owing to its excellent nutritional and pharmaceutical potential has resurrected the industrial and scientific community to exploit their processing and utilize for new food products optimization. The design and development of storage, postharvest processing and quality analysis of seeds depend upon the correlation properties with their physical parameters. In this study, the mass of hempseed is predicted as a function of its linear dimensional property, projected area and bulk seed density using linear and nonlinear mathematical models. Various engineering properties of different hempseed grades were investigated at a moisture content of 6.49% (wet basis). The effect of size and density‐based grading was also studied on mass modeling and was compared with ungraded hempseed. Results revealed that the mass models developed using graded seeds had more appropriate results (higher R2) than the ungraded ones. Models based on minor dimension (R2 0.939) and third projected area (R2 0.914) within a 5% level of significance were recommended from an economic standpoint to predict hempseed mass with maximum accuracy. Therefore, bulk mass modeling of hempseed based on engineering properties is strongly recommended for the design and development of grading mechanisms.Practical ApplicationThe growing demands for plant‐based protein and bioactive phytochemicals have directed the agriculture‐based industries towards non‐traditional food sources like hempseed. However, its richer protein and a blend of sensitive bioactive components demand a critical storage and processing unit. Mass is one of the important physical aspects needed for the design of various storage and processing units. Determining the mass of small grains that are almost unique in size and structure is a challenging task. In recent years, mass modeling based on physical dimension has been increasingly used for various fruits like kinnow mandarin, pomegranate, and lime fruits; therefore, we decided to test the applicability and accuracy of the same technique, along with examining the effect of grading, for mass modeling of hempseed for the first time. Various hempseed processing operations including dehulling, require crucial information about the bulk seed behavior and their correlation with their engineering properties. The study results might be useful to formulate an automatic grading mechanism for hempseed grading based on the mutual effect of mass and size. In this study, in addition to the introduction of a mass modeling system for hempseed, some grade‐specific engineering properties of hempseed have been determined, which are important for the design of equipment for harvesting, transporting, storing, cleaning, packing and processing.

Characterization and bioefficacy of green nanosilver particles derived from fungicide-tolerant Tricho-fusant for efficient biocontrol of stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.) in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

An efficient and eco-friendly bioefficacy of potent Tricho-fusant (Fu21) and its green nanosilver formulation against stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) in groundnut was established. Fu21 demonstrated higher in-vitro growth inhibition of pathogen with better fungicide tolerance than the parental strains. The green nanosilver particles were synthesized from the extracellular metabolites of Fu21 and characterized for shape (spherical, 59.34 nm in scanning electron microscope), purity (3.00 KeV, energy dispersive X-ray analysis), size (54.3 nm in particle size analyzer), and stability (53.7 mv, zeta). The field efficacy study exhibited that the seedling emergence was high in seeds treated with green nanosilver (minimum inhibitory concentration-[MIC] 20 µg Ag/ml), and a low disease severity index of stem rot during the crop growth was followed by the live antagonist (Fu21) in addition to seed treatment with a fungicide mix under pathogen infestation. The seed quality analysis of harvested pods revealed a high oil content with balanced fatty acid composition (3.10 oleic/linoleic acid ratio) in green nanosilver treatment under pathogen infestation. The residual analysis suggested that green nanosilver applied at the MIC level as seed treatment yielded similar effects as the control for silver residue in the harvested groundnut seeds. The green nanosilver at MIC has a high pod-yield under S. rolfsii infestation, demonstrating green chemistry and sustainability of the nanoproduct.

Digital morphometry of onion seeds

Relevance. One of the problematic issues in crop production remains the quality of sown seeds. Vegetable plants during the period of generative development are demanding to the conditions of light and heat supply, but the conditions of most regions of our country cannot meet these requirements. Post-harvest refinement and pre-treatment of seeds is also not carried out at the proper level. There are no reliable informative tools for analyzing seed quality. Employees of the FSBSI FSVC, Agrophysical Research Institute and Argus-Bio LLC are developing a method of digital morphometry of vegetable seeds.Methods. The material for the studies was the seeds of various samples of varieties of the genus Allium: Allium cristophii Trautv., Allium schoenoprasum L., Allium fistulosum L. Digital images of seeds were obtained using the HP Scanjet 200 tablet scanner, BMP, TIFF, JPG save file format, 600 DPI resolution. Morphometric analysis of digital scanned images of seeds was carried out on the basis of the Agrophysical Research Institute using the serial software Argus-BIO, manufactured by Argus Soft LLC, St. Petersburg.Results. Analysis of the color characteristics of seeds (values of color components according to the RGB model) Allium cristophii Trautv. revealed a statistically significant decrease in all color channels in the row from the lower tier – the upper, which is an indicator of different levels of maturity. Seeds of various samples of Allium schoenoprasum L. in size (projection area) varied significantly within the species from 2.39 to 3.06 mm2 , in shape they also turned out to be unaligned: elliptical with an elongation factor of 1.99 to 2.21 relative units. Analysis of morphometric parameters of seeds of varieties Allium fistulosum L. made it possible to distinguish the influence of natural and genetic factors on these parameters: the factor of the year had a significant effect (from 43.5% to 45.4%), the factor of the variety – from 39.5% to 43.2%, on the main morphometric parameters of seeds. So, a new approach to seed quality analysis is presented, which includes rapid digital morphometry, data modeling and their integration with standard ISTA tests.

Envelope method for the germination test of Mombasa grass

The Rules for Seed Analysis reports the use of a paper envelope to allow use of the germination test with small seeds but does not provide any method or use recommendation. As Mombasa grass has high quality and commercial importance, the objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of the envelope method in the germination test of Mombasa grass seeds, with the aim of achieving greater result accuracy and improvement of seed quality analysis processes in laboratories. The germination of eight lots of Mombasa grass seeds was evaluated with two sowing methods (on paper and in paper envelope). The moisture content and the first germination count were also determined. The experiment was conducted with a completely randomized design. The data were analyzed in a 2 x 8 factor scheme (sowing methods x lots), with four repetitions. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using the F test and when significant, treatment means were compared using the Tukey’s test at 5% probability. Results showed that the envelope method is efficient for the germination test of Mombasa grass seeds and can be easily used by seed analysis laboratories, as it present results equivalent or superior to those obtained using the traditional method on paper, while occupying only 2/5 of the germination chamber space used in the conventional method.

Genetic variation of seed phosphorus concentration in winter oilseed rape and development of a NIRS calibration

Phytic acid is the major organic phosphorus storage compound in rapeseed. Following oil extraction, the defatted meal is used in feed mixtures for livestock. However, monogastric pigs and chickens can only poorly metabolize phytate. Hence, their excrements are rich in phosphorus (P), which when applied as manure may lead to eutrophication of surface waters. The aim of the present study was to analyze the genetic variation for total and organic P concentration (i.e. mainly phytate) in rapeseed and to compare the results with soybean. Two sets of rapeseed material were tested in field experiments in different environments with varying soil P levels and harvested seeds were used for seed quality analysis. Results revealed significant genotypic differences in total seed P concentration, which ranged from 0.47 to 0.94%. Depending on the experiment, the heritability for total P concentration ranged from 52 to 93%. The organic P portion of total P concentration was above 90% for current rapeseed hybrids. In both sets, there was a significant positive correlation between seed protein and P concentration. A NIRS calibration for total P concentration in intact seeds showed in cross validation a standard error of 0.05% and a coefficient of determination of R2 = 0.83. Total P concentration of soybean seeds and meal was between 0.55 and 0.65%, and around 1.1% for rapeseed meal. Rapeseed meal had a twofold higher ratio of total P to nitrogen concentration as compared to soybean which could be considered adverse when the meal is used for feeding livestock.

Multispectral and X-ray images for characterization of Jatropha curcas L. seed quality

BackgroundThe use of non-destructive methods with less human interference is of great interest in agricultural industry and crop breeding. Modern imaging technologies enable the automatic visualization of multi-parameter for characterization of biological samples, reducing subjectivity and optimizing the analysis process. Furthermore, the combination of two or more imaging techniques has contributed to discovering new physicochemical tools and interpreting datasets in real time.ResultsWe present a new method for automatic characterization of seed quality based on the combination of multispectral and X-ray imaging technologies. We proposed an approach using X-ray images to investigate internal tissues because seed surface profile can be negatively affected, but without reaching important internal regions of seeds. An oilseed plant (Jatropha curcas) was used as a model species, which also serves as a multi-purposed crop of economic importance worldwide. Our studies included the application of a normalized canonical discriminant analyses (nCDA) algorithm as a supervised transformation building method to obtain spatial and spectral patterns on different seedlots. We developed classification models using reflectance data and X-ray classes based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The classification models, individually or combined, showed high accuracy (> 0.96) using reflectance at 940 nm and X-ray data to predict quality traits such as normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings and dead seeds.ConclusionsMultispectral and X-ray imaging have a strong relationship with seed physiological performance. Reflectance at 940 nm and X-ray data can efficiently predict seed quality attributes. These techniques can be alternative methods for rapid, efficient, sustainable and non-destructive characterization of seed quality in the future, overcoming the intrinsic subjectivity of the conventional seed quality analysis.