Digital and multivariate analysis of lettuce seed vigor: Impact of hydropriming on physiological potential

Digital image analysis has emerged as a highly precise and efficient methodology for assessing the physiological attributes of seeds. This research aimed to assess the morphological and physiological properties of lettuce seeds subjected to hydropriming using multivariate statistical approaches. Two lettuce genotypes, Roxa and Vanda, were evaluated under hydropriming treatments (primed-dry and primed-stored). Seedlings were digitally scanned, and vigor indices were quantified using the Seed Vigor Imaging System (SVIS®). Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), with tests of normality and homogeneity of covariance ensuring analytical robustness. The primed-dry treatment resulted in minimal improvement in vigor and uniformity, while the primed-stored treatment promoted a partial recovery of these attributes. The Roxa genotype exhibited greater variability in vigor and seedling length, whereas Vanda demonstrated higher uniformity but slightly reduced seedling growth. A strong positive correlation was observed between the vigor index and seedling length, reinforcing the importance of these parameters in seed quality assessment. These findings underscore the utility of digital image analysis combined with multivariate statistical methods for the accurate assessment of seed vigor, thereby improving seed-lot classification and informing decision-making in lettuce production systems.