Computer imaging determines seed
quality Researchers at Ohio St. Univ. have used computer imaging technology
to develop an automated seed-vigor assessment
system that reduces time and eliminates the
expense and subjectivity of human analysis. Seed vigor can be calculated by the
scanning system within 3 days of germination as opposed to the 7-14 days
required for manual tests. The system can also measure the vigor of all seedling
parts, unlike existing commercial tests that only examine certain parts such as
root length or cotyledons. So far the imaging system has been calibrated to
measure the seed vigor of tomato, lettuce, melon, cabbage, carrot, corn, cotton
and soybean.