Tomato seed vigor evaluation during storage by seedling computadorized image analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity of the parameters provided by computerized image analysis to detect tomato seed vigor reduction during storage, compared to tests traditionally used for this purpose. Ten lots of tomato seeds, cultivar Mariana, were stored for 12 months in a controlled environment at 20 ± 1 ° C and 45-50% relative humidity. The seed moisture content was monitored and physiological potential assessed at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months after storage, with germination, first count, accelerated aging with saturated salt solution, seedling emergence tests and with computerized image analyzes of seedlings by SVIS® system. A completely random design was used in a 4 x 10 factorial scheme (4 evaluations periods X 10 lots) with 4 replications. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and mean comparison by the Scott Knott test at 5% probability. Computer image analysis of tomato seedlings with five days after sowing is able to detect vigor differences between lots and vigor loss during storage.