01921naa a2200205 a 450000100080000000500110000800800410001910000240006024501600008426000090024430000100025352012690026365300210153265300230155365300290157670000180160570000180162370000200164177300540166121176152024-12-11       2019    bl uuuu     u00u1 u    #d1 aGOMES-JUNIOR, F. G.  aX-ray microtomography in comparison to radiographic analysis of mechanically damaged maize seeds and its effect on seed germination.h[electronic resource]  c2019  a12 p.  aAmong the most relevant aspects of seed production, mechanical damage may affect seed germination and reduce health and vigor. This study introduces a noninvasive high-resolution imaging procedure for evaluating the mechanical damage to maize seeds and the effects on seed germination. Seeds with different levels of mechanical damage were evaluated using a benchtop micro-computed tomography system (micro-CT) and digital X-ray equipment. The two-dimensional transaxial, coronal and sagittal micro-CT sections were used to inspect the seed anatomy and the mechanical injuries in the internal seed tissue. Germination tests were performed using paper towel rolls (25°C for 7 days) in which the seedling length was evaluated on a daily basis, and the seedling dry biomass was measured at the seventh germination day. The micro-CT cross-sectional images allowed an efficient spatial characterization of the mechanical damage inside the seeds. On average, mechanically damaged seeds produced seedlings with a length 24% shorter and a dry biomass 65% less than that of the undamaged seeds. We concluded that the micro-CT technique provides an efficient means to inspect mechanically damaged maize seeds and allows for a reliable association with germination response.  a3D X-ray imaging  aComputer tomografy  aSeed internal morphology1 aCICERO, S. M.1 aVAZ, C. M. P.1 aLASSO, P. R. O.  tActa Scientiarum Agronomygv. 41, e. 42608, 2019.