X-rays for determination of papaya seeds viability

Abstract

The objective of this work was to verify if the X-ray technique is efficient in evaluating the viability of papaya seeds. The X-ray images were performed with 25 seeds with eight replications, placed on transparent acrylic plates on double-sided adhesive tape, being numbered to be identified in subsequent evaluations, and submitted to radiation in an X-ray equipment "HP Faxitron”. After exposure, the seeds were submitted to the germination test, in the same order as they were on the acrylic plate, being conducted in rolls of germitest paper, kept in a germinator at 20-30 °C, with evaluation at 30 days after installation. Seedlings were photographed and evaluated as normal, abnormal and non-germinated. Afterwards, the X-ray images and the seedlings generated by the same seeds were visually compared, and the X-ray images clearly showed seeds with and without internal filling. All of the abnormal seedlings were full seeds, therefore it was not possible to separate normal and abnormal X-rays images. A 100% accuracy was verified in the comparison between the X ray images and the generated seedlings, full seeds generated normal or abnormal seedlings and empty seeds corresponded to non-germinated seeds. It is concluded that the use of X rays is a promising technique for to identify the viability of papaya seeds. The automated analysis of radiographic images allows, in a simple, fast and efficient way, to extract information on seed viability and generate parameters related to germination.