The image analysis has high potential for use in seed vigor determination. Associated to the seedling growth test, this technique is fast, precise and makes dimensional image analysis possible. The result is the total extension of each seedling quantifying the length of their constituent parts. With the purpose of studying the corn seed lot vigor through the seedling growth test, using digital image analysis, corn seedlings (AG122 genotype) were taken from the germination chamber at the fourth day of development and ordered over a transparent polyester film sheet on a scanner surface to capture the images. A routine was developed to process seedling digital images into the "Scil-Image" software. There was a computational procedure to measure the total length, with the sum of coleoptiles to the longest root length of the seedlings and also for all root system. The seedlings were measured manually, seeking comparison with the method under study. The results showed that the digital technique makes it possible to associate the data obtained in processing to eventual vigor differences existing in corn seed lots, in a similar way to the other methods appointed to seed vigor evaluation by the referred species.
digital image; image processing; seed; root system; vigor test
