Seedling length in wheat determined by image processing using mathematical tools

ABSTRACT Seed vigour is determined by a series of laboratory tests, many of these laborious and time-consuming. In view of this, the present study aimed to compare the determination of seedling length in wheat using image processing, with the traditional method, as well as the ability of the method to determine seed vigour. The experimental design was completely randomised, with five replications comprising a single-factor experimental scheme. The data were analysed for normality by the Shapiro-Wilk test and variance analysis using ANOVA at 5% probability. The response variables were correlated using Pearson's test, and the methodologies for determining the length of the shoots and roots, by measuring with a graduated rule and by image processing, were compared using the F-test at 5% probability. To compare mean values between cultivars, Tukey's test at 5% probability was used. The length of the shoots and roots of wheat seedlings, determined by image processing using the Matlab® mathematical tool, is efficient in separating the cultivars into levels of vigour in a similar way to evaluations used routinely for this purpose.