This paper describes a new instrumental methodology proposed for the study of seed germination which can be applied to germination physiology, agriculture and forest restoration. This instrument performs the recording of images of germinating seeds through the use of a flat-bed scanner coupled to a computer, where a specific program commands the capture of these images at predetermined time intervals. These images are archived for posterior analysis. The device allows the collection of data and the elaboration of germination curves with high accuracy. Furthermore, the device permits the study of seed germination over a broad range of temperatures as well as the easy application of chemical agents to the seeds in order to study their influence on the germination process. Lactuca sativa seeds were used in this study as an experimental model. Germination curves were plotted at different temperatures in order to evaluate the device for experimental work. This paper also presents a methodology of statistical analysis that supports the reliability of this equipment.
digital image; Lactuca sativa; scanner; Siegel's test; thermal gradient tables
