Kernel position effects of grain morphological characteristics by X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT)

Grain size and shape are important factors for yield quality. The difference in grain phenotypic characteristics the same maize hybrid is related to its position ear. This study aimed clarify distribution of morphological ear provide guidance research phenotype kernel effects. Three hybrids were used experiment, namely, Denghai 618 (DH618), KX3564, Xianyu 335 (XY335), number per row 40, 36, respectively. X-ray μCT was applied obtain five indicators, including length, width, thickness, volume, surface area. sphericity, length-width ratio, specific area, volume coefficient further calculated. results showed that there three types indicators trends: area parabolic; thickness sphericity inverted length-to-width ratio irregular. at different parts ear, namely relation between determined. average value middle grains taken select kernels representing stable variety. Within range 5% deviation from mean part accounted 26.39% total about 10 extending 14th base top. 10% deviation, 47.22%, 18 12th found greatly positions change rules as extend top Therefore, coefficients And representative sampling on determined based comprehensive analysis indexes variation grain. Keywords: morphology, μCT, effects, (Zea Mays L.) DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211402.6039 Citation: Yin X B, Hou J F, Ming Zhang Y, Guo Gao S, et al. Kernel effects by micro-computed tomography (μCT). Int Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(2): 159–166.