Physical Characterization and Dimensional Analysis of Brazil Nut Seeds: Implications for Germination, Post-Harvest and Optimization of Industrial Processing

Abstract

The seed, the main commercialized non-timber forest product of the Brazil nut tree, still lacks information about its physical characteristics for the promotion of its germination, optimization of post-harvest processes, and industrial processing. Showed that, although each Brazil nut matrix produces fruits and seeds with homogeneous shape and weight, the batches of fruits and seeds from each matrix differ from one another. The PCA showed that most of the variables analyzed interacted with the three geometric dimensions of the seeds, allowing for differentiation between matrices and establishing criteria for seed size classes. To design or use mechanical equipment for the industrial processing of seeds, segregation of matrices with seeds that have similar physical characteristics is essential to the development and/or use of the equipment. The study reveals that each Brazil nut matrix produces fruits and seeds with consistent shape and weight. Despite the within-matrix homogeneity, distinct differences were observed between batches of seeds from each matrix. This suggests that environmental factors or genetic variations might influence the physical characteristics of Brazil nut seeds.

Keywords:
Non-timber forest products; post-harvest processing; seed biometrics

HIGHLIGHTS

The matrices exhibited seed variability, indicating abiotic and biotic influences on progeny.

The physical properties of seeds present heterogeneity in size and shape.

Larger fruits had fewer seeds and consequently the heaviest.

Analyzing seed physical properties helps tailor processing equipment to size strategies.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT