The automatization of the analysis of seedling growth by the use of computerized image can contribute to the evaluation of seed vigor. The aim of this research was to verify the efficiency of computerized seedling image analysis by SVIS to detect differences of vigor between eggplant seed lots as compared to those provided by traditional vigor tests. Ten lots of eggplant seeds, cultivar Embu, were stored for 12 months in a room with controlled environment, at 20±1°C and 45-50% relative humidity. The water content of the seeds was monitored and physiological potential assessed at 0, 6 and 12 months after storage, with standard germination, accelerated aging (traditional and with saturated salt solution), electrical conductivity, seedling emergence on substrate and with the system of computerized image analysis (SVIS) of seedlings (seedling length, vigor and growth index). The experimental design was completely randomized with 4 replications and data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by the Tukey test (p<0.05). The parameters obtained by the computerized seedling analysis with SVIS(r)software (seedling length and vigor and growth index) are efficient to differ between lots of high and low vigor eggplant seeds as traditional vigor methods.
Solanum melongena; SVIS; vigor
