Assessment of squash seed vigor using computerized image analysis

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the SVIS® (Seed Vigor Imaging System) to determine squash seed vigor evaluated at different stages of maturation. ‘Jabras’ hybrid seeds, resulting from a cross between Cucurbita maxima (female parent) and Cucurbita moschata (male parent), were used in this study. Seeds extracted from fruit at different maturation stages (harvested at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after anthesis and stored or not for 20 days after each harvest) were subjected to the following determinations: 100 seed weight, germination, saturated salt accelerated aging, and SVIS®. This computerized system provided data on indexes of seedling vigor and uniformity of seedling development and on seedling growth. Results from SVIS® were similar to information from the other vigor tests performed in this study, detecting significant differences in performance among seeds during the maturation process. This indicates that SVIS® is a reliable alternative for obtaining consistent information on the physiological potential of squash seeds.