Robert Geneve, Professor

Sharon Kester, Research Analyst

Manjul Dutt, Graduate Student

 

Impatiens seed germination over 48 hours.

Double click image to replay animation.

We have developed a novel system for evaluating seed vigor by measuring seedling growth from digital images aquired using a flat-bed scanner. A key aspect of this research was the use of a clear germination medium that allows the aquisition of images in sealed petri dishes using a flat-bed scanner. The scanner has the advantage of imaging seedlings using consistant lighting and capturing images even when condensation develops on the petri dish lid. Clear images are captured with excellent resolution even of very tiny seeds like arabidopsis and lisianthus. Digital images have been successfully measured (radicle length or total seedling area) using available commercial computer software.

In addition to capturing still images, we have developed a system to capture images in time lapse to evaluate seedling growth rates.

Support for these projects come from the Gloeckner Foundation, and the Kentucky Landscape Industry fund.

Publications:

R. Geneve and S. T. Kester. 2001. Evaluation of seedling size following germination using computer-aided analysis of digital images from a flat bed scanner. HortScience 36:117-20. Click here for PDF version.

Wilkerson, E., R.L. Geneve, and R.S. Gates. 2000. Image analysis for indication of seed germination. Paper No. 00-3025. Annual International meeting, American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Milwalkee, Wis.

Geneve, R.L., K. Oakley, S.T. Kester, and Patchara Wonprasaid. 1999. Seed vigor testing using computer-aided image analysis. Combined Proceedings International Plant Propagator's Society 49: 387-389.

Oakley, K, R.L. Geneve,G. Siriwitayawan and S. Kester. 1998. Use of digital analysis of radicle extension of marigold seedlings as an early indicator of seed vigor. Combined Proceedings International Plant Propagator's Society 48:491-492.