Adequação do teste de raios x para avaliação da qualidade de sementes de embaúba (Cecropia pachystachya Trec.)

Abstract

The x-ray test was studied to evaluate the quality of embauba seeds and verify the influence of the internal morphology on the seed germination. Seeds of a lot harvested in 2005 were used from the Bio Flora company. The seeds were exposed to radiation for various amounts of time and intensity, using Faxitron X-Ray equipment, model MX-20. The seeds were divided into three categories according to their internal structure visualized by radiographs in totally formed, partially formed and not formed seeds. Soon after, seeds were submitted to the germination test. The results showed that the time of 360 seconds and 10kV intensity are recommendable for visualizing internal seed structures. The x-ray test is efficient to evaluate development level of embauba seed structure. There is correlation between seed formation and the germination test results.