Evaluation of the physiological potential of soybean seeds by image analysis

Abstract

The use of seeds with a high physiological potential is very important for farmers, because it is directly related to high yield. This research aimed to evaluate the performance of soybean seeds (CD 2737 RR cultivar) from lots with high and low germination rates, as well as the efficiency of computerized analysis carried out by the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS^®) and Tomato Analyzer softwares, in order to identify shape modifications in the harvested seeds and associate them with germination. Plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, water content, mass of 1,000 seeds and yield were evaluated. For vigor evaluation using the SVIS^® software, the seedling length and indexes for growth, uniformity and vigor were determined. The seed morphology evaluation using the Tomato Analyzer software was carried out from the radiographic images of seeds. It was concluded that the highest seed yield and physiological potential were obtained from lots with high germination rates, when compared to the low germination ones, under greenhouse conditions. The SVIS^® software showed to be efficient to identify vigor differences among lots, while the Tomato Analyzer, through the Fruit Shape Index External 2 and Circular parameters, was efficient to identify, in a fast and precise way, seeds with irregular shape associated with low germination.