Digital image processing of coated perennial-soybean seeds and correlation with physiological attributes

Abstract

Perennial soybean (Neonotonia wightii) is a Fabaceae with potential to be used in consortium with Poaceae plants to improve pasture quality. In order to add value to perennial soybean seeds and improve their seed distribution, seeds coated with different materials in coating machine were characterized by digital image analysis and physical attributes related to physiological attributes in order to define the ideal amount and material to be used in the coating. Different material quantities were tested, 150 g, 200 g and 250 g, divided into layers, namely: sand, calcium silicate + sand and limestone + sand. Coating promoted maximum increments of approximately 350% in seed mass and significant increases of up to 230% in area, 154% in maximum diameter, 162% in minimum diameter, 167% in contained diameter and 152% in perimeter. The coating was also efficient in reducing the moisture of the pellets by increasing the layers that cover the seeds. The sand + limestone combination resulted in the largest pellets. The combination of sand + silicate did not interfere with plant speed and formation. Thus, it was considered the appropriate material for the coating of perennial soybean seeds.