Seed Vigor Imaging System Research Articles

Storage performance of primed bell pepper seeds with 24‐Epibrassinolide

AbstractSeed response to priming with 24‐epibrassinolide (24‐EpiBL) has been studied to investigate the effects on speed of germination, often leading to improved stand establishment. However, knowledge about the response of primed seeds treated with 24‐EpiBL during storage remains insufficient. This research was performed to verify the effects of bell pepper seed priming (Capsicum annuum L.) with 24‐EpiBL after storage. Two cultivars (AF‐6 and AF‐7) were used, represented respectively by three and four seed lots of different physiological potential. All lots were stored for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo after priming with 24‐EpiBL. Seeds were evaluated for germination and vigor (germination first count; saturated salt accelerated aging, and using the Seed Vigor Imaging System); unprimed seeds represented the control. Priming with 24‐EpiBL promoted positive effects on germination speed, seed tolerance to heat stress, and initial development of seedlings with responses being more evident in lower vigor seed lots. The beneficial effects of priming with 24‐EpiBL in bell pepper seeds is maintained after storage, but may gradually decrease after longer storage period.

Vigor-S: System for Automated Analysis of Soybean Seed Vigor

Abstract: Computerized systems for image analysis are alternatives to decrease the subjectivity and speed of assessment of seed physiological potential. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of the Seed Vigor Automated Analysis System (Vigor-S) to identify differences in vigor among soybean seed lots compared to results of the Seed Vigor Imaging System - SVIS® and tests recommended for evaluation of soybean seed vigor. Two cultivars were used, BMX Potência RR and 7166 RSF IPRO, each one represented by ten seed lots with similar germination and vigor differences. The seeds were evaluated regarding germination, vigor (tetrazolium, accelerated aging), seedling emergence in the field and SVIS® and Vigor-S analysis, in three experimental periods. Analysis of variance was used on the data in a completely randomized experimental design (laboratory tests) and in randomized blocks (field tests), and the mean values were compared by the Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05). Separation of the seed lots by Vigor-S was consistent with the results obtained in tests recognized as effective in evaluating the physiological potential of soybean seeds, and there was no interference of the different cultivars on the response pattern for vigor. Analysis through Vigor-S proved to be effective in determination of physiological potential and for composition of quality control programs established by soybean seeds production companies.

Digital images of seedling for evaluating coffee seed vigor

Abstract: The digital image analysis of seedlings has become largely employed in seed quality-control programs due to its feasibility, objectivity and fast results. Despite these advantages, no studies have yet demonstrated the efficiency of this technique for analyzing coffee seed vigor. The present study aimed at evaluating the efficiency of the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®) in determining the vigor of coffee seeds (Coffea arabica L.) from digital images of seedlings. Also, the results of these analyses were contrasted with conventional vigor tests. Six seed lots from each cultivar, Bourbon and Catucaí 20/15, were used. The research was conducted in two experimental times, and the seed vigor was determined by the tests of first germination count, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, primary root protrusion speed, as well as by the analysis of scanned images of seedlings, made possible by the SVIS® software. For the Bourbon and Catucaí 20/15 cultivars, the SVIS® analysis was able to discriminate lots of both high and low vigor (vigor indexes of 317 to 752, and 181 to 703, respectively). A similar outcome was obtained from the conventional tests appraised in this research. Eventually, it was possible to conclude that the digital analysis of 20-day-old seedlings by SVIS® is an efficient method to evaluate coffee seed vigor.

Image analysis to evaluate the physiological potential and morphology of pearl millet seeds

Abstract: The use of fast and precise procedures for seed analysis is an important factor for making decisions at different stages of seed production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of internal damage and associate morphological traits of pearl millet seeds with their physiological potential, and evaluate seed vigor using the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®) compared to other traditional vigor tests. Eight seed lots of the pearl millet cultivar ADR 300 were analyzed for germination, vigor (first count, accelerated aging, cold test, and SVIS®), internal morphology (X-ray), and morphological parameters (perimeter, area, and roundness). The X-ray test is effective in evaluating the internal morphology of pearl millet seeds, allowing identification of mechanical damage and of deteriorated and malformed tissues, making it possible to establish a relationship between the damage observed and the negative effect on germination. SVIS® analyses on two-day-old seedlings are a reliable method for assessing seed vigor of pearl millet. Parameters of perimeter and area of the seeds are related to their physiological potential.

Vigor-S, a new system for evaluating the physiological potential of maize seeds

The refinement of vigor tests and the possibility of utilizing computer resources for the effective evaluation of the seed physiological potential have attracted considerable interest from research and seed technologists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological potential of maize seeds using the newly-created Automated Analysis of Seed Vigor System (Vigor-S) compared with other recommended seed vigor tests; two maize hybrids were used, each represented by seven seed lots. Germination and vigor (cold test, saturated salt accelerated aging, and field seedling emergence) evaluations were conducted. For the evaluation of seed vigor with the use of seedling image analysis resources, two systems were compared: the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®), developed by Ohio State University, USA and the Vigor-S, resulting from collaboration between USP/ESALQ and EMBRAPA (Embrapa Instrumentation). Using these two systems, three day old seedlings were scanned and the images were analyzed. Similar results for the vigor index, uniformity of development, and seedling length were obtained. The computerized image analysis of seedlings using Vigor-S has advantages with respect to accuracy, speed, and the possibility of automatic application to a worksheet. It is a consistent alternative for the evaluation of maize seed vigor, and produces information compatible with that obtained by the accelerated aging test and SVIS®.

Use of the software Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®) for assessing vigor of carrot seeds

Seed vigor has traditionally been evaluated by physiological, biochemical and stress tolerance tests. More recently, with the use of computerized image analysis, objective information has become accessible in a relatively short period of time, with less human interference. The aim of this study was to verify the efficiency of computerized seedling image analysis by Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®) to detect differences in vigor between carrot (Daucus carota L.) seed lots as compared to those provided by traditional vigor tests. Seeds from seven lots from the Brasilia cultivar were subjected to a germination test, first count of germination, speed of germination, accelerated aging with saline solution and seedling emergence; furthermore, a vigor index, growth index and uniformity index were determined by the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®) during four evaluation periods. The results obtained by the computerized seedling analysis (vigor index and growth index) show that SVIS® is efficient in assessing carrot seed vigor.

Controlled deterioration test and use of the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS ® ) to evaluate the physiological potential of crambe seeds

Abstract: Vigor tests are important tools for verifying the physiological potential of seed lots; however, various aspects can interfere in the consistency of the test results. The search for less subjective procedures has drawn the interest of researchers. The aim of this study was to adapt the methodology of the controlled deterioration test and verify the efficiency of the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS ® ) to evaluate the vigor of crambe seeds. Initially, seed moisture content was determined and germination and vigor were evaluated in five seed lots. For the controlled deterioration test, the seed moisture content was adjusted to 18%, 20%, and 22%, and the results were interpreted at four and five days after sowing. The controlled deterioration test should be performed with initial adjustment of seed moisture content to 18%, and the germination test should be evaluated on the fifth day after sowing. SVIS ® provided information on the vigor index and the length and uniformity of seedling development. Computerized image analysis is effective in evaluating the vigor of crambe seeds, and the uniformity of seedling development parameter offers the most consistent data.

Swingle citrumelo seed vigor and storability associated with fruit maturity classes based on RGB parameters

Citrus seeds normally have low storability. Identifying an optimal fruit harvest time for production of high vigor seeds is important for nurseries; however, identifying this stage for Swingle citrumelo fruits has been based only on visual color examination, and research related to this parameter has been inconsistent. The main objective of this study was to evaluate a red-green-blue (RGB) color measurement system for successful identification of Swingle citrumelo fruits possessing seeds with maximum physiological potential and storability. Fruits were harvested at three ripening stages identified as green (G), greenish-yellow (GY), and yellow (Y) pericarp, photographed, and the images processed using ImageJ software. Data were expressed as the average pixel value of R, G and B color components and a mean RGB pixel value (R+G+B/3). After harvest, seeds were evaluated for water content, germination, seedling emergence, length, dry mass and vigor as measured by the Seed Vigor Imaging System - SVIS (uniformity and vigor indexes) after 0 and 5 months storage (5 °C and 65 % relative humidity). Percentage of ruptured coat seeds was also evaluated after extraction. The R color component provided the best identification of each G, GY and Y fruits. Seeds extracted from GY fruits had higher storage potential compared with seeds from G and Y fruits. Thus, precise fruit ripening classification can be generated using the RGB color system to identify the best time for harvest to obtain seeds with greater physiological and storage potential.

Seedling image analysis and traditional tests to evaluate onion seed vigor

Abstract: The aim of this study was to verify the possibility of using computerized seedling image analysis to detect differences in vigor among onion seed lots and to compare this analysis with traditional vigor tests. We used five seed lots of two onion cultivars, Bella Catarina and Bella Vista. The Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®) software was used to process the seedling images and assess seedling length and vigor through seedling uniformity and growth indexes. These determinations were compared to traditional tests used to evaluate onion seed vigor: germination percentage and first germination count, seedling emergence percentage and emergence speed, accelerated aging, and electrical conductivity. Results showed that vigor differences among onion seed lots can be identified using the SVIS® in a manner similar to traditional vigor tests; assessments should be performed at five days after sowing.

Computerized image analysis of seedlings to evaluate broccoli seed vigor

Abstract: The computerized image analysis of seedlings constitutes an efficient technique to evaluate the quality of seed lots, since it is quick in responding, has a simple execution and reproduction. The goal of this research was to verify the efficiency of the computer image analysis of seedlings to detect vigor differences among broccoli seed lots and compare them with other traditionally used vigor tests. Computerized image analysis were performed by the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®), using 3-day-old seedlings and the results were compared to germination at first count, seedling emergence, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity tests. Evaluations were performed in three experimental periods (before storage, 6 and 12 months of storage at 20 °C and 45-50% RH). A completely randomized design with eight replications of 25 seeds was used. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by Scott-Knott test at 5% error probability. It is concluded that it is possible to detect vigor differences among broccoli seed lots by the computerized image analysis of seedlings with SVIS®, similarly to traditional vigor tests.

Assessment of squash seed vigor using computerized image analysis

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the SVIS® (Seed Vigor Imaging System) to determine squash seed vigor evaluated at different stages of maturation. ‘Jabras’ hybrid seeds, resulting from a cross between Cucurbita maxima (female parent) and Cucurbita moschata (male parent), were used in this study. Seeds extracted from fruit at different maturation stages (harvested at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after anthesis and stored or not for 20 days after each harvest) were subjected to the following determinations: 100 seed weight, germination, saturated salt accelerated aging, and SVIS®. This computerized system provided data on indexes of seedling vigor and uniformity of seedling development and on seedling growth. Results from SVIS® were similar to information from the other vigor tests performed in this study, detecting significant differences in performance among seeds during the maturation process. This indicates that SVIS® is a reliable alternative for obtaining consistent information on the physiological potential of squash seeds.

Processing tomato seed assessment using computerized image analysis

Vigor tests are necessary tools for evaluation of the physiological potential of a seed lot. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a computerized system for seedling image analysis to determine the processing tomato seed lot's vigor. 'BRS Sena', a processing tomato hybrid from Embrapa Hortalicas, was used in this study. Seeds were placed previously in an aging chamber for 0, 24, 48, 72 or 96 h at 41°C and 60% RH, generating five seed lots. After this period, seeds were submitted to the first count, germination, seedling emergence, saturated salt accelerated aging, and the Seed Vigor Imaging System - SVIS® test. The computerized analysis system provided data on the vigor index, uniformity of development, and seedling growth, after the fourth day of the germination test. The result obtained by SVIS® computer analysis was similar to the results of other vigor tests used in the study, detecting significant differences among vigor index, length, and uniformity of seedlings. This result demonstrates that the computerized analysis system of images may be a viable alternative for obtaining reliable information on the physiological potential of tomato seeds.

Evaluation of squash seed physiological quality using computerized image analysis

For some crops, such as vegetables, there are few standardized tests for seed vigor determination and this has a fundamental importance for Brazilian seed industry. The objective of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a computerized seedling image analysis of 'Brasileirinha' squash (Cucurbita moschata) seedling compared to the other recommended seed vigor tests. Six seed lots were produced at Embrapa Vegetables, Brasilia, DF, Brazil, from 2006 to 2012. Seed physiological quality was evaluated using the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®), germination, seedling emergence, cold test and saturated salt accelerated aging tests. Seed mass was also determined. The SVIS® provided data on the vigor, uniformity of development and growth indexes of seedlings at three days after sowing under optimum conditions. Seed lots with high vigor through the different tests had better evaluation on SVIS®, indicating the sensitivity of this procedure to evaluate seed vigor. This system may be an interesting alternative to obtain reliable information about the physiological potential of squash seeds.

Performance of Bell Pepper Seeds in Response to Drum Priming with Addition of 24-Epibrassinolide

Drum priming systems are among the most common methods of seed priming for commercial treatment. The supply of water to the seeds is controlled by physical means, and seeds are able to reach a desired moisture content without the use of osmotic solutions for hydration control. The brassinosteroid (BR), 24-epibrassinolide (24-EpiBL), has been shown previously to have a significant effect on seed performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the feasibility of drum priming associated with added 24-EpiBL on enhancement of bell pepper seed performance. Two bell pepper cultivars (AF-6 and AF-7) were tested, and each cultivar represented, respectively, by three and four seed lots with different initial physiological potentials. Seed performance was determined by evaluating standard germination, initial seedling growth, and changes on the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX). Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®) was used to assess the initial seedling growth. The nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) technique was used to evaluate possible changes in the enzymatic antioxidant system. Several advantages were verified in the drum priming technique with added 24-EpiBL compared with the traditional procedure (water alone). Germination time was reduced followed by a seedling growth increase. Concomitantly, seed enzymatic activity was improved. However, results showed different response for each enzyme. Drum priming with 24-EpiBL demonstrates viability for commercial treatment and enhancement of bell pepper seeds.

Avaliação do vigor de sementes de girassol por meio de análise de imagens de plântulas

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência do sistema computadorizado de análise de imagens de plântulas Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS(r)), em comparação com os outros testes recomendados para determinação do vigor de sementes de girassol. Foram utilizados dez lotes de sementes, cultivar Catissol 01, os quais foram avaliados quanto ao potencial fisiológico por meio dos testes de germinação, envelhecimento acelerado, emergência de plântulas em areia e em campo e análise de imagens de plântulas com o sistema SVIS(r), aos 0 e 4 meses de armazenamento. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado para os testes realizados em laboratório e blocos ao acaso para o teste de emergência de plântulas em campo; em ambos os casos, foram utilizadas 4 repetições. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Scott Knott a 5% de probabilidade. Verificou-se que a análise computadorizada de imagens de plântulas com SVIS(r) é eficiente para avaliação do vigor de sementes de girassol.

Avaliação do potencial fisiológico de sementes de soja por meio de imagens

A utilização de sementes com alto potencial fisiológico é de grande importância para agricultores, pois está, diretamente, relacionada à alta produtividade. Este estudo objetivou avaliar o desempenho de sementes de soja (cultivar CD 2737 RR) produzidas a partir de lotes com alta e baixa germinação, bem como a eficiência da análise computadorizada, pelos programas Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®) e Tomato Analyzer, para identificar alterações no formato das sementes colhidas e associá-las com a germinação. As variáveis analisadas foram: altura de planta, número de vagens por planta, número de sementes por planta, grau de umidade, massa de mil sementes e produtividade. Na avaliação do vigor, utilizando-se o programa SVIS®, foram determinados o comprimento das plântulas e os índices de crescimento, uniformidade e vigor. A avaliação da morfologia das sementes pelo programa Tomato Analyzer foi realizada a partir de imagens radiográficas das sementes. Concluiu-se que a maior produtividade e o maior potencial fisiológico de sementes foram obtidos de lotes com alta germinação, em comparação com lotes de baixa germinação, em condições de casa-de-vegetação. O SVIS® mostrou-se eficiente para identificar diferenças de vigor entre os lotes e o Tomato Analyzer, por meio dos parâmetros Fruit Shape Index External 2 e Circular, para identificar, com rapidez e precisão, sementes com formato irregular, associado à baixa germinação.

<b>Recent approaches for bell pepper seed vigor testing

Seed vigor is a major attribute in the determination of whether a seed lot can be commercialized. Different physiological tests are used to assess seed vigor and are generally based on different concepts, which could lead to variable interpretations, particularly when comparing lots presenting different vigor levels. This study was conducted to compare the different approaches used to evaluate bell pepper seed vigor and verify the applicability of the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS) for this purpose. The experiment was performed using four seed lots of bell pepper hybrids in two periods, and the evaluations involved germination, seedling emergence, seedling emergence speed index, saturated salt accelerated aging and image analysis. The use of seedling imaging analysis by SVIS is a new approach for bell pepper seed vigor evaluation. Both the software and traditional tests provided sufficient information for seed vigor analysis, enabling the segregation of the analyzed seed lots. Thus, the new method fulfills the requirement for an efficient, rapid, cost-effective and standardized method that allows comparisons among laboratories and avoids human influence on the interpretation of the results. SVIS can be considered a feasible option to be included in quality assurance programs of the bell pepper seed industry.

Saturated salt accelerated aging and computerized analysis of seedling images to evaluate soybean seed performance

Seed deterioration causes losses to seed companies during the storage. For researches, the challenge has been to develop techniques which improve the seed longevity as well as laboratory analysis methods required for evaluating the evolution of deterioration in storage. This study had the objective of determining the effectiveness of the accelerated aging test with a saturated NaCl solution and Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS) analysis in checking soybean seed physiological in comparison with the recommended vigor tests. Soybean seeds from the cultivars BRS 184 and M-Soy 7908 RR were used, each of them were represented by six lots and stored for six months under two environment conditions. Seed physiological quality was checked every two months in storage through germination evaluations, accelerated aging (different methods), tetrazolium test (vigor and viability) seedling emergence, and SVIS analysis. The tetrazolium test is the most advisable method for evaluating soybean seed quality during storage. The results of the saturated salt accelerated aging test with NaCl at 41 ºC for 72 or 96 hours and the SVIS evaluation are also both efficient for estimating the physiological potential of seeds.

Análise de imagens de plântulas para avaliação do potencial fisiológico de sementes de berinjela

A automatização da análise do crescimento de plântulas pelo uso de processamento computadorizado de imagens pode contribuir para avaliação do vigor de sementes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a possibilidade de utilização do sistema computadorizado de análise de imagens de plântulas (SVIS, Seed Vigor Imaging System) para detectar diferenças de vigor entre lotes de sementes de berinjela em comparação às informações fornecidas por testes de vigor tradicionalmente utilizados. Dez lotes de sementes de berinjela, cultivar Embu, foram armazenados por 12 meses em sala com ambiente controlado a 20±1°C e 45-50% de umidade relativa do ar. O teor de água das sementes foi monitorado e o potencial fisiológico avaliado aos 0, 6 e 12 meses após o armazenamento, com os testes de germinação, envelhecimento acelerado (tradicional e com solução saturada de sal), condutividade elétrica, emergência de plântulas em substrato e com o sistema de análise computadorizada de imagens de plântulas (SVIS) (comprimento de plântulas, índices de vigor e de crescimento). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com 4 repetições. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e comparação de médias por meio do teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Os parâmetros obtidos na análise computadorizada de plântulas com o softwareSVIS(r) (comprimento de plântulas e índices de vigor e de crescimento) são eficientes para avaliar o potencial fisiológico de sementes de berinjela, de forma similar às avaliações rotineiramente utilizadas para essa finalidade.

Image seedling analysis to evaluate tomato seed physiological potential

Computerized seedling image analysis are one of the most recently techniques to detect differences of vigor between seed lots. The aim of this study was verify the hability of computerized seedling image analysis by SVIS® to detect differences of vigor between tomato seed lots as information provided by traditionally vigor tests. Ten lots of tomato seeds, cultivar Santa Clara, were stored for 12 months in controlled environment at 20 ± 1 oC and 45-50% of relative humidity of the air. The moisture content of the seeds was monitored and the physiological potential tested at 0, 6 and 12 months after storage, with germination test, first count of germination, traditional accelerated ageing and with saturated salt solution, electrical conductivity, seedling emergence and with seed vigor imaging system (SVIS®). A completely randomized experimental design was used with four replications. The parameters obtained by the computerized seedling analysis (seedling length and indexes of vigor and seedling growth) with software SVIS® are efficient to detect differences between tomato seed lots of high and low vigor.