Non-destructive and high performance analyses are highly desirable and important for assessing the quality of forest seeds. The aim of this study was to relate parameters obtained from semi-automated analysis of radiographs of Leucaena leucocephala seeds to their physiological potential by means of multivariate analysis. To do so, seeds from five lots collected from parent trees from the region of Viçosa, MG, Brazil, were used. The study was carried out through analysis of radiographic images of seeds, from which the percentage of damaged seeds (predation and fungi), and measurements of area, perimeter, circularity, relative density, and integrated density of the seeds were obtained. After the X-ray test, the seeds were tested for germination in order to assess variables related to seed physiological quality. Multivariate statistics were applied to the data generated, with use of principal component analysis (PCA). X-ray testing allowed visualization of details of the internal structure of seeds and differences regarding density of seed tissues. Semi-automated analysis of radiographic images of Leucaena leucocephala seeds provides information on seed physical characteristics and generates parameters related to seed physiological quality in a simple, fast, and inexpensive manner.

The chickpea crop has been expanding in Brazil and, thus, the demand for high quality seeds along with it. The aim of this study was to adapt the methodology for evaluation of chickpea seed vigor by the accelerated aging test and to analyze whether antioxidant enzyme activity is related to the physiological potential of these seeds. Seeds from five seed lots of the cv. BRS Aleppo and from four seed lots of the cv. Cícero were initially tested to characterize their physiological potential. The accelerated aging test was conducted by the traditional method (100% RH) and with a saturated NaCl solution (76% RH), both at 41 °C, for 24, 36, 48, and 72 h. The activity of the SOD, CAT, and APX enzymes were also determined. The accelerated aging test using 41 °C/48 h with a saturated NaCl solution is recommended for assessment of chickpea seed vigor. The activity of CAT and APX enzymes may be related to the physiological potential of these seeds, but this is not the case with SOD.

The definition of methodologies that allow evaluating the physiological potential of chickpea seeds is important to ensure the commercialization of lots with high performance. Thus, this research aimed to determine the most suitable conditions for conducting the electrical conductivity test in chickpea seeds to classify lots according to vigor level. Therefore, seeds from five lots of cultivar BRS Aleppo and four lots of cultivar Cícero were subjected to tests to characterize their initial quality and the results were compared with those obtained in the electrical conductivity test. To assess electrical conductivity, five soaking periods (2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours) were combined with four volumes of water (75, 100, 150, and 250 mL) at 25 °C temperature. The results show that the electrical conductivity test is efficient in evaluating the physiological potential of chickpea seeds, providing information equivalent to other vigor tests. For the electrical conductivity test, it is recommended to use 50 seeds soaked in 150 mL of water, for 24 h, at 25 °C.

The use of new methodological approaches and inclusion of non-destructive evaluations in determining the quality of forest seeds has proven to be of great importance for the development of forest production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of a semi-automated tool for measurement of digital images obtained by the X-ray test in seed lots of Leucaena leucocephala and their relationship to seed physiological quality. Seeds were collected from five mother trees in Viçosa, MG. The study was performed through analysis of radiographic images of the seeds. It was determined the percentage of damaged seeds (predation and fungi) and measured: the area, perimeter, circularity, relative density, and integrated density of the seeds. After the X-ray test, a germination test was performed on the seeds, from which ten variables related to seed physiological quality were extracted, including a vigor index. The use of semi-automated measurement tools associated with the X-ray test was effective for evaluating the internal morphology of Leucaena leucocephala seeds, and the variables determined are related to seed physiological quality.

Conservation and recovery of degraded areas generate great demand for seeds of native tree species. The development and/or improvement of efficient techniques for the evaluation of forest-seed quality is important for the production and establishment of high-quality seedlings for restoration. In this study, the tissue density of radiographic images of Senna macranthera seeds was related to their physiological quality. Moreover, biomass, carbon stock, seedling survival, and X-ray technique costs were estimated for S. macranthera. Collected seeds were analyzed using digital radiography to measure relative and integrated density. The physical integrity of seed tissues was visually evaluated. Seeds were then germination tested to assess seedling development-related traits. Semiautomated radiography allowed for visualizing internal seed structures and observing their density and physical-integrity differences as well as physiological quality. Moreover, seed lots with lower relative and integrated densities had more physical damage and/or malformation, thus producing less vigorous seedlings. The average carbon stock was 21.42 kg per tree. The seed selection cost was USD 0.0132/seed at an 81% germination rate. The annual cost of planting S. macranthera seedlings was USD 7500 per hectare during the establishment year and averaged USD 1562 per year for replanting lost transplants over the eight years after initial planting. Applying these techniques may enhance the seedling production of this species, contributing to reforestation programs in Brazil.

The tetrazolium test has been recommended for evaluating the viability of seeds with slow and ununiform germination, especially agroforestry species. The aim of this study was to propose a methodology to evaluate the viability of J. curcas L. seeds using the tetrazolium test and to generate visual aids to support the interpretation of the test. In the first trial, methods of seed preparation and staining were evaluated. The most promising methodologies were used to conduct the second test, which consisted of the evaluation of different concentrations (0.10 and 0.25%) and times (2 and 3 h) of immersion of the seeds in the tetrazolium solution, using five lots. The seeds were analyzed individually and classified as viable or non-viable. At the same time, germination, first count, emergence and seedling emergence speed index tests were conducted. The tetrazolium test is efficient for evaluating the viability of seeds of J. curcas L. providing results correlated with germination and seedling emergence. Pre-soaked seeds should have their integument removed and then sectioned longitudinally and medially lengthwise for immersion in 0.10% solution of 2,3,5-triphenyl chloride tetrazolium for three hours at 35 °C.