Machine vision system for measurement of the rate of joining of grafted seedlings

摘要

To determine the rate of joining of a grafted plant, direct measurements of the cross-section of the joint are taken. However, using this approach it is not possible to gather enough data for appropriately evaluating the conditions of the joint. Three grafting methods, Cutting, Cleft, and 'Plug-in Method', were compared using 3-D image processing to determine the rate of grafting. The first two methods were manual and the last was machine assisted. The system of study comprised of a microtome, a microscope, a CCD colour camera and an image processor. 3-D images were obtained from the 2-D images. 3-D images were constructed to compare joint formation for seedlings grafted by 'Plug-in Method', and showed clear distinction in the development of vessels at the joint. Results showed that the 'Plug-in Method' performed better than the other two grafting methods and has good potential as a future grafting method. The machine vision system can be used to examine the joining of vessels in relation to other physical activities, such as water and nutrient supply, when seedlings are grafted.