ArticlePlant methods2025
Understanding seed germination responses to low-dose X-rays: the role of seed quality, variety, and density.
Article in Plant methods, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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7 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundSeed quality analysis using X-rays is increasingly explored due to its non-invasive and rapid nature. Yet, the current absence of reliable and standardised imaging protocols has led to contradictory effects of X-ray exposure in previous studies. Our work systematically investigated the effect of low-energy X-rays (peak energy ≲25 keV) with limited doses (< 3 mGy) on a wide range of plant materials.
resultsThe baseline of three germination categories was established across seven species before the application of low-dose X-ray exposure under controlled standard germination conditions. The high inter-varietal and inter-lot variabilities, in addition to the strong interaction between X-ray exposure with both variety and lot, reinforced the need to consider genetic and seed quality aspects while evaluating the impacts of low-dose, low-energy X-rays (< 3 mGy, peak energy ≲25 keV). A slight stimulative effect was observed on most of the species (bean, carrot, fennel, maize, radish, and ryegrass), notably, with a repeated reduction in ungerminated seeds led to an increase in normal germination (1.7 ± 1.9%). Intrinsic physical quality holds a crucial value where the minor negative impact observed in soybean originated from its degraded physical quality and not from X-ray exposure; hence, no destructive effects were detected. To understand whether seed size plays a significant role in a seed's response to exposure, linear regression models were built to predict 3D seed traits (volume) from 2D X-ray images. Yet, seed size did not explain the variation in responses to low doses of X-rays. However, the average density of the seven species explained both their natural germination (p < 0.01; R
conclusionLow-dose X-ray exposure is non-destructive with a beneficial effect on germination, but can be strongly influenced by underlying genetics and the physical quality of the tested seeds. This work addressed important gaps in evaluating X-ray impacts and proposed a robust design and well-examined radiography protocol for a proven non-destructive seed quality analysis.
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