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C. canephora exhibits high genetic variability, and to estimate this variability, morphological descriptors associated with coffee quality are used. Bean size is a physical trait of great importance for coffee classification. Manual classification is known to be inaccurate and time-consuming, which is why researchers have adopted digital imaging techniques to improve classification efficiency. The objective of this study was to quantify the genetic diversity in 43 C. canephora clones using the Ward-MLM strategy and to estimate genetic parameters and correlations from digital phenotyping of beans and cherries. The experiment was conducted on a crop consisting of 43 C. canephora genotypes, where the cherries were manually pulped and dried until they reached 12% moisture content. Using GroundEye® equipment, four replicates of 50 beans and cherries were evaluated for each treatment, and the software generated spreadsheets with the results of the geometric traits. To determine the existence of genetic variability among the genotypes, the data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, estimation of genetic parameters, Ward-MLM analysis, and Pearson correlation. The genotypic variance was higher than the environmental variance for all variables analyzed, both for beans and cherries, indicating that the genotypes evaluated have high genetic variability. The greatest genetic distance was observed between groups I and IV, suggesting favorable conditions for crosses between the genotypes of these groups. Phenotypic correlation analysis revealed significant positive and negative correlations between the variables. Digital seed analysis successfully detected genetic divergence among the 43 C. canephora clones. The variables ‘area’, ‘maximum diameter’, and ‘minimum diameter’ are the most suitable for selecting genotypes with larger beans.

For the germination of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) seeds to occur, it is necessary to overcome dormancy, which makes it difficult to assess their physiological potential. The aim of this research was to define a methodology to overcome the dormancy of sweet potato seeds and use image analysis to determine their physical and physiological quality. Four genotypes of sweet potato seeds were used, namely UFVJM-5, UFVJM-22, UFVJM-38 and UFVJM-65. To overcome dormancy, chemical scarification with 98% H2SO4 for 10 and 20 minutes, hot water at 95 °C for 10 and 20 minutes, and mechanical scarification with electric grinder were tested. To evaluate the physical quality, the seeds were analyzed with X-rays and classified as intact, empty and malformed seeds. Using the GroundEye® system, the characteristics of color dominance, seed geometry and seedling length were quantified. Treatments with mechanical scarification with grinder and 98% sulfuric acid, for an immersion period of 20 minutes, are efficient to break dormancy in sweet potato seeds. There are genetic divergences between sweet potato genotypes, promoting the formation of different groups. The characteristics of color and geometry of the seeds are the ones that most contribute to genetic diversity of genotypes. Resumo: Para que a germinação das sementes de batata-doce (Ipomoea batatas) ocorra, é necessária a superação da dormência, o que dificulta a avaliação do potencial fisiológico das sementes. Objetivou-se nesta pesquisa definir metodologia para superação da dormência de sementes de batata-doce e o uso da análise de imagens para determinar a qualidade física e fisiológica das sementes. Foram utilizados quatro genótipos de sementes de batata-doce, UFVJM-5, UFVJM-22, UFVJM-38 e UFVJM-65. Para a superação da dormência foi testado a escarificação química com H2SO4 a 98% por 10 e 20 minutos, água quente a 95 °C por 10 e 20 minutos e escarificação mecânica com esmeril elétrico. Para avaliação da qualidade física, as sementes foram analisadas com raios X e classificadas em sementes cheias, vazias e malformadas. Por meio do sistema GroundEye®, foram quantificadas as características de dominâncias de cor, de geometria das sementes e comprimento de plântulas. Os tratamentos com escarificação mecânica com esmeril e ácido sulfúrico a 98%, pelo período de imersão de 20 minutos, são eficientes para a superação de dormência em sementes de batata-doce. Existem divergências genéticas entre os genótipos de batata-doce, promovendo a formação de grupos diferentes. As características de cor e geometria das sementes são as que mais contribuem para diversidade genética dos genótipos.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is highly sensitive to zinc deficiency in soils, which results in decreased productivity and low-quality agricultural products. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of different zinc doses, applied to seeds, on the physiological quality and initial performance of sorghum plants. Six doses (0, 3.5, 7.0, 14.0, 21.0, and 28.0 g kg-1 seeds) were used and an uncoated control. The Zn coating process used dolomitic limestone as the filler and glue. Laboratory tests were conducted in a completely randomized design and greenhouse experiments were conducted in a randomized block design. The control means were 8, 9, and 14% lower than the maximum, minimum, and total seed area of treatments, respectively, relative to that of treatments. The control differed from other treatments by 10.47 in the speed index of emergence. Zinc at a dose of 28 g kg-1 seeds provided greater production of aerial dry matter, with nutrient content of 75.85 mg kg-1. Zinc on sorghum seeds affected length and dry matter production of aerial parts and roots but did not affect physical characteristics, germination, or emergence time. Applied zinc accumulated mainly in the roots, and promotes changes in Ca and Mg in seeds and other plant parts.

Cultivar Magnus grano is made up of five genotypes that were selected by coffee growers in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The cultivar shows good adaptation to growing conditions, high yield potential, and the largest beans among the studied genotypes.

The gall wasp, Leptocybe invasa, poses a significant global threat to Eucalyptus cultivation, by causing substantial economic losses. The objective of this study was to differentiate between resistant and susceptible genotypes by morphological characteristics using image analysis based on the damage caused by the gall wasp. In addition, consensus sequences derived from transposable elements (TEs) and the genome of Eucalyptus spp. Were identified by in silico analysis. Furthermore, another objective was to discriminate Eucalyptus genotypes in response to Leptocybe invasa by conducting molecular analyses involving transposable elements and inter simple sequence markers. For image analysis, the GroundEye ® system was used to collect images of 60 leaves from six genotypes, three of which were resistant and three susceptible. Eucalyptus spp. sequences were obtained from the GenBank database by in silico analysis and pairwise alignments with TE sequences were conducted using BLASTN. Multiple sequence alignment was performed with Clustal Omega, followed by the identification of conserved regions in Jalview. A motif signature was generated using Weblogo. For molecular characterization using ISSR markers and TEs, samples of young leaves were obtained from a total of 80 Eucalyptus seedlings, of which 50 were classified as resistant and 30 as susceptible to L. invasa. It was possible to distinguish gall wasp susceptible and resistant genotypes by image analysis. In silico analysis enabled the identification of conserved regions in the Eucalyptus spp. genome, which were associated with proteins involved in secondary metabolite production, e.g., terpenes, which play a role in the response to L. invasa. The discrimination capacity of TEs and ISSR primers was demonstrated and bands were generated that could be used to identify resistant genotypes. However, increasing the number of markers required to discriminate genotypes in both cases is suggested.

Key message The 164 DAA maturation stage is superior in terms of germination and seedling formation, with gains of 4.2 months in relation to the last stage, and X-ray densitometry is a new and efficient technique to analyze Euterpe edulis seeds.AbstractEuterpe edulis Martius is an endangered palm species that grows in the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado of South America. Economic exploitation of its antioxidant-rich fruits could ensure the sustainable management of this species. However, this relies on the rapid selection of high-quality seeds from which to derive seedlings. Image analysis and X-ray densitometry can be quick, practical, and best of all, non-destructive techniques for selecting seeds, ensuring the sustainability of the species. The objective of this study was to investigate the maturation of E. edulis seeds using image analysis and X-ray densitometry. Fruits were harvested from ten matrices at different stages of maturation, from 94 days after anthesis (DAA) to 290 DAA. Seed dry mass, water content, germination, vigor, and density were quantified at each stage. At the same time, seeds were analyzed by GroundEye® imaging, radiography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The design was completely randomized and consisted of 29 treatments (maturation stages) and four replications with 10 seeds each. The highest dry mass was detected 255 DAA (0.83 g), in vitro germination began 115 DAA and achieved 100% from 150 DAA, and maximum vigor was observed 164 DAA, whereby 100% of seedlings appeared normal. X-ray imaging revealed dehydrated seeds and small mechanical damage, such as cracking of the pericarp. X-ray densitometry revealed that seed density increased considerably 185 DAA. SEM/EDS detected changes between maturation stages, such as the accumulation of K and Si, in the mesocarp and endocarp. Overall, E. edulis seeds presented maximum in vitro germination, vigor, percentage of normal seedlings, and physicochemical qualities 164 DAA (green epicarp), which corresponds to 126 days earlier compared with the fruits harvested 290 DAA (black epicarp) for ex vitro germination. The analyses proposed in this study, together with the analysis of seed germination and vigor throughout maturation, were promising for increasing the speed, classification accuracy, and selection of E. edulis seeds. Such analyses have a high potential since they are practical and many are non-destructive, adding cost-benefit with accurate results.

Investigating the distribution modeling of Spondias tuberosa , as well as its phenotypic diversity, is critical for species conservation and tree improvement initiatives. This species holds great importance in bioeconomy, yet there is limited knowledge to address its production. Utilizing predictive distribution modeling, we can identify areas in Sergipe with a high likelihood of the natural occurrence of S. tuberosa , which is crucial for targeted conservation efforts. Comprehensive phenotypic characterization was conducted on a natural population, selecting individuals and examining traits ranging from tree architecture to fruit biometry, and including information on seed conservation under storage conditions. The findings revealed substantial variance in germination rates and seedling vigor related to the duration of endocarp storage, although no significant differences were observed in overall germination success across different storage times. However, prolonged storage resulted in an increase in abnormal seedlings and deteriorated seeds. The integration of phenotypic data and predictive modeling provides a robust framework for understanding ecological dynamics and supports sustainable management practices for S. tuberosa , aligning with bioeconomic goals. This research underscores the importance of maintaining phenotypic variability within populations, which is vital for the adaptive capacity of species to changing environmental conditions and for enhancing local bioeconomies.

The search for time and human subjectivity reduction in the analysis of the physiologic potential of seeds has brought forward the use of computerized systems as an alternative. The goal of this research was to assess the effectiveness of the GroundEye equipment in the characterization of soybean seeds vigor by using the image analysis technique in comparison to the information provided by vigor tests recommended to soybean seeds. Sixteen lots of two soybean varieties were used — variety 98Y12 and P98Y70, characterized by the following tests: germination test, accelerated ageing test, cold test, tetrazolium test, and seedling emergence in the field. The image analysis was performed using the GroundEye software to obtain the vigor index and the average length of seedlings and roots for a later comparison with the results of the accelerated ageing test and the manual measurement of the average length of seedlings and roots. GroundEye has demonstrated efficiency in the determination of vigor of soybean seeds and has reduced the time needed to obtain the results in six days, being indicated in the quality control programs established by soybean seeds production companies.

Amaranthus species have great potential for human food due to their nutritional and functional properties, but there are few phytotechnical studies with this crop, making its cultivation unfeasible. Aiming to encourage the production of these species, this study aimed to evaluate and distinguish the morphological, chemical and physiological characteristics of seeds of Amaranthus sp. (commercial species), A. viridis and A. hybridus. The experiments were performed in a completely randomized design, evaluating seeds in size classes (850, 600 and 425 µm) and characterizing them by image analysis using the GroundEye® system, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and radiographic analysis. The first germination count, germination and germination speed index with and without KNO3 were performed to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and the means compared by the Tukey test. Radiographic analysis showed that the seeds of the three studied species were filled in the size class of 600 and 850 µm, without dormancy, but the commercial species had higher germination speed. GroundEye® and NIR allowed distinguishing the three species according to their geometric characteristics, predominance of color and chemical components. Resumo: As espécies do gênero Amaranthus possuem grande potencial para alimentação humana, devido às suas propriedades nutricionais e funcionais, entretanto existem poucos estudos fitotécnicos com a cultura inviabilizando o seu cultivo. Visando incentivar a produção dessas espécies objetivou-se com essa pesquisa avaliar e distinguir as características morfológicas, químicas e fisiológicas das sementes de Amaranthus sp. (espécie comercial), A. viridis e A. hybridus. Os ensaios foram realizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizados avaliando as sementes em classes de tamanho (850 µm, 600 µm e 425 µm) e caracterizando-as por análise de imagens utilizando o sistema GroundEye®, espectroscopia de infravermelho próximo (NIR) e análise radiográfica. Para avaliação da qualidade fisiológica das sementes realizou-se o teste de primeira contagem de germinação, germinação e índice de velocidade de germinação com e sem uso de KNO3. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Pela análise radiográfica foi possível observar que as sementes das três espécies estudadas se apresentam cheias na classe de tamanho de 600 e 850 µm, e não possuem dormência, no entanto a espécie comercial possui maior velocidade de germinação. Por meio do GroundEye® e do NIR foi possível distinguir as três espécies, de acordo com as características geométricas, e predominância de coloração e componentes químicos.

This present study aimed to assess seed quality of popcorn seedlings subjected to low temperatures by examining their physiological changes, enzymes, and images. We used a completely randomized design with four replications in a factorial arrangement with four hybrids (P618, AP6002, AP8202, AP8203) and five temperatures (10, 13, 16, 19 and 25 °C). Their physiological quality was assessed through radicle protrusion, germination, dry mass of seedlings and emergence. We have assessed the images of seedlings through their hypocotyl and root lengths; and through rates of automatic force, uniformity and growth, provided by Groundeye. The isozyme expressions were determined for the catalase (CAT - IUBMB: EC 1.11.1.6), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH - IUBMB: EC 1.1.1.1), malate dehydrogenase (MDH - IUBMB: EC: 1.1.1.37) and α-amylase (α-AMY - IUBMB: EC 3.2.1.1). Results show that low temperatures cause a negative effect on seed physiological quality in enzyme expression of CAT, ADH, MDH and α-AMY and on the performance of seedlings. These alterations compromise seed quality. Hybrids AP6002 and AP8203 should be recommended for sowing at up to 16 °C. The Groundeye software was efficient in the analysis of popcorn seedlings and in for the assessment of seed quality when submitted to low temperatures.