Determining Seed-borne Fungi in Cowpea
Why seed health testing with spectral imaging?
The ability of Videometer technology to detect fungal pathogens in seeds in a fast and non-destructive way is an important breakthrough in seed health assessment. Traditionally, seed health assessment methods involve time-consuming and expensive procedures such as embryo count, incubation, or washing tests. With the VideometerLab, however, it is now possible to detect fungi faster and more accurately, making this method a more cost-effective alternative.
In addition to seed health assessment, the VideometerLab also allows for the assessment of other important seed parameters such as treatment, purity, germination, and vigor. This makes it a versatile tool for seed analysis that can provide valuable insights into seed quality.
Detection of fungal pathogens in seeds
The determination of seed-borne fungi in cowpea is now possible with Videometer. In a new paper by a Brazilian research group, it is shown how cowpea fungal pathogens can be detected.
The recent paper by a Brazilian research group demonstrates the efficiency of multispectral imaging (MSI) combined with statistical models to assess cowpea seed health and differentiate seeds carrying different fungal species. Seeds were artificially inoculated with Fusarium pallidoroseum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Aspergillus sp. and the results showed that VideometerLab could accurately detect these fungal pathogens. It can help to ensure that only high-quality, disease-free seeds are planted, which can ultimately lead to better crop yields and more sustainable agricultural practices.
The study concludes:
“In this study, we verified the efficiency of multispectral imaging (MSI) combined with statistical models to assess the cowpea seed health and differentiate seeds carrying different fungal species. Seeds were artificially inoculated with Fusarium pallidoroseum, Rhizoctonia solani and Aspergillus sp.”
Rego CHQ, França-Silva F, Gomes-Junior FG, Moraes MHDd, Medeiros ADd, Silva CBd. Using Multispectral Imaging for Detecting Seed-Borne Fungi in Cowpea. Agriculture. 2020; 10(8):361.
