The possibility of using the image analysis technique for assessing the quality of seeds is very promising, it is a precision method that enables one to examine in detail the damaged or altered region, its location and extent. As it is a non-destructive method, the seeds being analyzed can be submitted to physiologic tests and thus, allow the relations of cause and effect to be established. Thus, the objective of this research was to study the effects of the positions of maize seeds on ears on quality, using the image analysis technique. For this purpose, ears of the cultivar DKB 212 were shelled so that the seeds from the proximal, intermediate and distal positions could be isolated. The seeds coming from the referred positions were physically characterized and assessed with regard to vigor and sanitary condition. Simultaneously, the seeds were radiographed, photographed (ventral and dorsal faces) and destined for germination first count test; the normal and abnormal seedlings and dead seeds were also photographed. All the images obtained were made available on the computer in such a way that they could be examined simultaneously and thus make a complete diagnosis for each seed. The determinations performed indicated that the seeds in the proximal and intermediate positions presented a similar quality and were superior to those of the distal position; spherical seeds with embryonic axes presenting torsions, but that were not altered, were not of a reduced quality, however, the alterations in the embryonic axes (dark, undefined stains), present in a larger quantity in the distal region of the ear, were responsible for the loss of seed quality.
Zea mays; X-ray; germination; vigor; digital images
