Image analysis during processing as an aid to soybean quality assessment

ABSTRACT Processing is an important step in high-quality seed production. To improve this process, image analysis enables the assessment of parameters associated with physiological quality. This study aimed to determine whether X-ray image analysis can be used as a tool in the processing process to relate the physiological quality of soya beans. The seeds were collected at the dryer exit and after bagging. The treatments included four varieties (HO Aporé IPRO, DM 73I75 RSF IPRO, Brasmax Olimpo IPRO, and Brasmax Bônus IPRO). The seeds from each sampling point underwent water content, germination, and tetrazolium tests. To obtain images, the soya beans were placed in an acrylic dish containing 50 units, with four replicates per treatment, and exposed to X-rays for 10 s at an intensity of 31 kV and a distance of 55.4 cm from the radiation source. The images were processed using ImageJ software to obtain measurements of the area, perimeter, width, length, median gray, integrated density, aspect ratio, and solidity. Data were subjected to principal component and correlation analyses. The results of the present study indicate that seeds with greater sphericity tend to have higher physiological quality. Analysis of X-ray images at the end of processing is a promising tool for identifying batches of spherical seeds with a view towards higher physiological quality.