X-ray and tetrazolium tests for assessing papaya seed viability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2025v46n5p1593Keywords:
Image analysis, Radiography, Physiological quality, Carica papaya L.Abstract
The slow and uneven germination of papaya seeds highlights the need for rapid and reliable tests to evaluate seed quality. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of X-ray and tetrazolium (TZ) tests in evaluating the physiological potential of papaya seeds. Seeds from five lots of the Formosa group were used. For X-ray image acquisition, 200 seeds from each lot were mapped and scanned to obtain data on area, perimeter, degree of filling, median gray level, and density. The seeds were evaluated for germination percentage and speed, and seedling growth (total length, vigor and growth indices). Preliminary tests were conducted to refine the TZ test methodology, which was then applied to the different lots. Embryos were classified as viable, non-viable, or dead. The X-ray test made it possible to visualize internal structures and detect filled, malformed, and empty seeds. The TZ test enabled the classification of lots according to their physiological potential, yielding results consistent with those obtained in the germination and seedling vigor tests. To this end, seeds were preconditioned on moistened paper for 48 hours to facilitate embryo extraction, followed by immersion in a 0.1% tetrazolium solution for 5 hours at 40 °C for staining.
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