Use of an image analyser to study the imbibition process of Melia dubia seeds

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Abstract
An image analyser system was used to study the process of imbibition in Melia dubia seeds, and in comparison with the conventional method of measuring seed weight by an electronic balance. Melia dubia drupes were divided into three groups and treated accordingly: drupes with intact pericarp, drupes with punctured pericarp and naked seeds without pericarp. Using seed weight and perimeter as parameters, the imbibition process in the seed samples were described by a series of imbibition curves illustrative of the triphasic pattern of water uptake during germination. The image analyser captured small variation in seed parameters between the groups. The sensitivity and feasibility of the advanced method of using an image analyser to investigate individual seeds within a population imply that the image analyser has high potential in advancing seed biology studies.