3D Visualization and Quantitative Analysis of Internal Structure of Wheat Kernel Sprouting Using X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography

Micro X-ray computer tomography was used to assess the internal components of wheat kernel non-destructively.This paper described the 3D visualization and quantitative analysis of the internal features of Wheat kernel after damage caused by sprouting.Micro X-ray CT images were reconstructed and processed using image processing algorithms.Imaging processing techniques such as segmentation and thresholding were used to render visualization modules such as volume rendering and geometric reconstruction.In addition to visualization,morphometric parameters such as volume,area surface,porosity were determined.It was found that the most significant change in seed sprouting was the embryo,followed by scutellum and endosperm.When the endosperm was decomposed by enzymes to supply the nutrients to the embryo,the endosperm near the scutellum and the aleurone layer was first decomposed,and then the endosperm was gradually decomposed from the scutellum to the ventral groove.X-ray tomography is a powerful tool for the non-invasive investigation of damage,and microstructure organization in biological materials such as single wheat kernels.