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.