Microfocus X-Ray Method for Detecting Hidden Defects in Seeds of Woody Forest Species and Other Types of Vascular Plants

Modern hardware solutions used to obtain digital X-ray images of seeds are characterized. The main visualization methods and techniques for analyzing digital X-ray images of seeds are described. We revealed and assessed hidden defects of seed samples of the studied species such as Siberian cedar pine ( Pinus sibirica Du Tour), Korean cedar pine ( P. koraiensis Siebold & Zucc.), sugar corn ( Zea mays L.), cucumber ( Cucumis sativum L.), and pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) by microfocus X-ray radiography in combination with automatic analysis of digital X-ray images. Empty-grain and partially full-grain seeds have lower values of the “average brightness” of X-ray diffraction patterns. A comparative assessment of X-ray indicators and germination capacity of seedlings as integrated indicators for assessing the biological usefulness of seeds is performed.