The X-ray has showed to be a very efficient technique in the quality control of forest tree seeds, characterizing development phases, damages caused by dehydration, improvement and infestation, among others. The aim of this work was to evaluate the physical quality of cedar seeds (Cedrela fissilis) by X-ray test. For this, the cedar seeds were exposed at the following conditions of radiation intensity and times (25 Kv during 60/30 seconds and 30 Kv during 40 seconds) to determine the pattern of X-rays. According to the anatomy visualized by the radiographic image, seeds were classified in Full Seeds; Seeds With Damages, Deformed Seeds and Empty Seeds. Soon after, the seeds were submitted to the germination test, accomplished in BOD, using paper substratum damped in boxes for germination under 25ºC and white light. After 20 days, the numbers of normal, abnormal seedlings and died seeds were registered. From the results obtained the intensity of radiation of 25 Kv in the time of exposure of 60 seconds allowed clear visualization of the internal characteristics and damages observed. By the radiographic damage affected the seed germination reducing the plot quality.
Seeds physical quality; germination; damages in seeds
