Morfometria e qualidade de sementes de variedades locais de feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) do Amazonas

Abstract

The analysis of seeds by computer systems is an evaluation process that has become widespread in seed quality because it is a non-destructive method. Determining the quality of a seed lot is a fundamental part of the seed production and marketing process. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of three seed lots of three varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) using conventional methods and imaging. The experiment was conducted with three batches of cowpea (2023, 2024, and 2025) of local varieties (Fígado-de-galinha, Filipinho, and Manteiguinha), totaling nine treatments. Biometric characteristics and thousand-seed weight were evaluated using the GROUNDEYE S800 Scanner, using 100 seeds from each batch. The germination test and moisture content were performed according to the recommendations of the Brazilian Rules for Seed Analysis. Seedling vigor was analyzed using digital images of the seedlings with Vigor-S software. The XPERT 80 X-ray was used for the physical analysis of the seeds. To analyze the seedlings in Vigor-S, the same seeds used in the X-ray image capture were used. After image capture, the seeds were placed to germinate under the same conditions as the germination test, in five replicates of 20 seeds for each batch. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme, three varieties and three batches, with four replicates of 100 seeds for the germination test and five replicates of 20 seeds for the vigor test. The seeds from batches 2023, 2024, and 2025 of the Fígado-de-galinha, Filipinho, and Manteiguinha varieties showed variation in seed size. The 2023 and 2024 lots for all varieties tested showed germination above 80%, which is required as a criterion for marketing cowpea seeds in Brazil, according to the standard germination test. The Vigor-S analysis indicated Fígado-de-galinha-2025 and Filipinho-2025 as the lots with the highest vigor values, even though the standard germination test indicated germination below 80%; however, these seeds produced seedlings with greater total length (hypocotyl and radicle). Manteiguinha-2025 had the lowest germination percentage and the lowest vigor value. Seeds with spots near the embryonic axis region presented abnormal seedlings or dead seeds, according to the X-ray image; however, factors other than physical quality affected the germination potential of the different lots.