Integrating Multiple-capsule Traits Quantitative Evaluation of Seed Maturity by 3D Phenotypic Platform in Nicotiana tabacum

Abstract

Many methods have been proposed for the identification of seed maturity, and almost all of them need to be performed after seed harvest. In this study, a real-time quantitative method that can be performed during seed development was used by integrating multiple-capsule traits using a high-throughput screening (HTS) technique. Capsule color, shape, and density parameters can reflect seed development and maturity. During seed development, we observed a fast decrease in color parameters (R, G, and B) and water content, as well as an increase in temperature sensitivity; an initial rise followed by decline in shape parameters [length, width, minimum circumscribed circle (MCC) diameter, area] was also observed; as well as irregular differentiation of density parameters of the capsules. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between seed maturity and capsule color, as well as its shape parameters (Table 1). In sum, our data demonstrate that that three-dimensional (3D) phenotypic platform can be used to differentiate seed maturity by quantitative evaluating multiple-capsule traits, which is a quantitative method for determining the maturity of seed while still growing in the fruit of the mother plant.