ABSTRACT Seed vigor has traditionally been evaluated by physiological, biochemical and stress tolerance tests. More recently, with the use of computerized image analysis, objective information has become accessible in a relatively short period of time, with less human interference. The aim of this study was to verify the efficiency of computerized seedling image analysis by Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®) to detect differences in vigor between carrot (Daucus carota L.) seed lots as compared to those provided by traditional vigor tests. Seeds from seven lots from the Brasilia cultivar were subjected to a germination test, first count of germination, speed of germination, accelerated aging with saline solution and seedling emergence; furthermore, a vigor index, growth index and uniformity index were determined by the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®) during four evaluation periods. The results obtained by the computerized seedling analysis (vigor index and growth index) show that SVIS® is efficient in assessing carrot seed vigor.

Resumo: A avaliação semiautomática de variações morfológicas associadas ao desempenho germinativo de sementes, como o tamanho do embrião, tem sido de grande interesse para os estudos das técnicas de análise de imagens. Sendo assim, visou-se avaliar a eficiência do software Tomato Analyzer(r) para quantificar o grau de desenvolvimento do embrião de sementes de Senna multijuga (Rich.) e sua relação com o teste de germinação e testes de tetrazólio. Para tanto, sementes provenientes de quatro lotes, obtidos de acordo com o estádio de maturação, foram radiografadas, submetidas à avaliação da área embrionária e avaliadas quanto à germinação e a viabilidade. Os resultados dos diferentes parâmetros obtidos evidenciaram que o software Tomato Analyzer(r) é sensível para avaliar o grau de desenvolvimento de sementes de Senna multijuga, quando se expressa o grau de desenvolvimento do embrião pelo parâmetro Área do Pericarpo, porém apenas o parâmetro Área apresentou relação direta com o potencial fisiológico dos lotes de sementes.

Abstract: Semi-automatic evaluations of morphological attributes that are associated to seed germination performance such as the embryo size, have been of great interest when considering the study of image analysis techniques. The objective of this research was to evaluate the accuracy of the Tomato Analyzer software to quantify the variations on the embryo development degree of Senna multijuga seeds (Rich.) and its relationship with germination and tetrazolium tests. Seeds from four lots with different ripeness stages were X-rayed, evaluated according to the embryonic area and submitted to germination and tetrazolium tests. Results from the different parameters showed that the Tomato Analyzer(r) software is sensitive to assess the development degree of Senna multijuga seeds, when expressed by Pericarp Area parameter, but only the Area parameter was directly correlated with the physiological potential of the seed lots.

As sementes de amendoim são consideradas de difícil produção, pois apresentam frequentemente índices insatisfatórios de germinação e de vigor devido a muitos fatores, dentre eles, problemas associados à ocorrência de fungos e à alta sensibilidade às injúrias mecânicas. Assim, o tratamento das sementes com fungicida, juntamente com inseticidas, visando o controle de pragas iniciais na cultura, é recomendável. Na avaliação do potencial fisiológico de sementes de amendoim, além dos métodos rotineiramente utilizados, a análise computadorizada de plântulas tem grande potencial, pois é método rápido, preciso e sem erros de interpretação humana. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de amendoim tratadas com fungicida ou inseticida, bem como a associação de ambos, utilizando-se a técnica de análise computadorizada de plântulas. Sementes do cultivar IAC 886 não tratadas e tratadas com o fungicida Maxim XL (Fludioxonil + Metalaxyl), com o inseticida Cruiser 350 FS (Tiametoxam) e com a mistura de ambos os produtos foram submetidas aos períodos de armazenamento de 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 e 180 dias (20 °C, 50% UR do ar). Após cada período de armazenamento, as sementes foram submetidas à avaliação do grau de umidade, germinação, envelhecimento acelerado, emergência de plântulas em campo, condutividade elétrica e sanidade, além da análise computadorizada de plântulas. Concluiu-se que a análise computadorizada de plântulas apresenta eficiência equivalente aos testes de envelhecimento acelerado e de emergência de plântulas em campo na identificação de diferenças entre tratamentos com ausência ou presença de fungicida e de fungicida associado a inseticida nas sementes de amendoim.

Peanut seeds are considered difficult to produce because they often show unsatisfactory levels of germination and vigor due to many factors, including problems associated with fungi and a high sensitivity to mechanical injuries. In addition to treating peanut seeds with a fungicide, treatment with insecticides to control soil insect pests in the early growth stages is recommended. Besides using the routine tests for evaluating the physiological potential of peanut seeds, computer analysis of seedlings has great potential because it is accurate, quick and without any human interpretation errors. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological potential and sanitary quality of peanut seeds treated with a fungicide, an insecticide, and a combination of both, using computerized analysis of seedlings. Seeds of the cultivar IAC 886, untreated and treated with the fungicide Maxim XL (fludioxonil + metalaxyl), the insecticide Cruiser 350 FS (thiamethoxam) and with a mixture of both products, were stored for periods of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 180 days (20 °C, 50% air RH). After each storage period, seeds were evaluated for moisture content, germination, accelerated aging, seedling emergence in the field, electrical conductivity and seed pathology, as well as a computer analysis of the seedlings. It was concluded that computer analysis of peanut seedlings has an efficiency which is equivalent to tests on seeds for accelerated aging and seedling emergence in the field for identifying treatment differences in the absence or presence of a fungicide and a fungicide associated with an insecticide.