X-ray rapid assessment of seed quality as a promising method in seed science of woody introducers

The X-ray methods use for living organisms studies has opened up wide opportunities for seed science. To date, one of the most promising methods for latent defects detecting in seed material can be considered the microfocus radiography method, which provides visualization of the internal seed structures including their possible anomalies without additional damaging effects, which is associated with a short exposure and the vitally acceptable radiation intensity use. X-ray analysis is now considered as an effective method of seed quality control, which allows obtaining information about their internal properties in express mode. Together with morphophysiological, biochemical, luminescent and other methods, it provides a higher level of expert evaluation of seed quality. Our experience connected with this method is still limited and amounts to a little more than a year. We carried out the initial testing of the installation, evaluating the possibilities of its application for radiography of various sizes seeds and fruits. Also we experimentally selected treatment modes for samples differed in shells density and the seed contents quality. In this message, we would like to present a brief information about the work we have already carried out. The list of already studied dendrological objects for which a test X-ray seeds examination was carried out includes 22 taxa, among which the vast majority of objects are rare species listed in the IUCN Red List. X-ray study of the seeds quality for woody introducents showed for a wide range of objects the possibility to perform non-damaging express screening of their internal contents, establishing signs of damage and developmental defects. The "lower limit" of the size of seeds and the basic modes for conducting radiography are determined, taking into account the need to adjust the modes for specific objects.

seed quality, woody plants, X-ray screening, PRDU, scanning modes, seed sizes, signs of defectiveness

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