Use of X-ray analysis in studies of quality of seeds of some species of agricultural and forestry interest

X-ray analysis can be used to determine the quality of seeds, showing the c ause of bad germination. X-ray images provide information on the internal s tructure and morphology of seeds, mechanical damage, percentage of empty an d filled seeds, microfractures, possible embryo deformations and insect inf estation. These techniques has been developed in Cuba for different X-ray s ets. In this article we describe the suitable working conditions for 32 agr icultural and forestry species. We also explained the main damages to seeds and their consequences for germination. If affected by insects, it could r educe the storage ability of grains.