Phenotypingseed morpho-metric traits by digital imaging analysis of tomato seeds

摘要

High precision phenotype data are useful for establishing distinctness, understanding genetic diversity of genotypes and for genetic trait mapping in plant populations. Thus studies were conducted that aimed at providing phenotypic data for genetic mapping of seed size and longevity in mapping populations of tomatoes. In the preliminary trials, precision seed morphology data were collected on seed size and shape traits using Veho? and Winseedle? digital imaging software in on-going phenotyping studies at FUNAAB, Nigeria. So far, seed images of 36 accessions from AVRDC crossing populations and NACBRAB tomato landrace collections in Nigeria were captured and analyzed by Veho software. Data on eight seed morpho-metric variables were measured and/or calculated by the software, which were subjected to multivariate analyses. Most seed size and shape traits showed very high correlation with each other suggesting similar genetic control of most of the traits. Nonetheless, embryo angle was negatively correlated with most other seed morpho-metric traits, signifying different genetic control. In on-going studies, seed vigour during artificial ageing (AA) is being investigated by the Winseedle? imaging software. Expected output of the studies were seed and seedling image databases for Nigerian tomato landraces and exotic mapping populations and secondly, a high precision seed and seedling metric data.