Radiography in Tree Seed Analysis Has New Twist

The advantages of using soft X-ray technology in testing tree seed for insect (7, 8, 9) and mechanical (2) damage, viability (4), and embryo development (3) are well known. But despite these advantages, its use has been very limited in the United States for a number of reasons. For one thing, the expense of film has been prohibitive in many cases. In addition, 1) the interpretation of images has required the talents of professional personnel; 2) constant viewing of backlighted films has produced eye problems, 3) the specialized equipment has not always been available. In short, X-ray use was complicated and time consuming (5, 6). All this has changed. Soft X-ray equipment is now available that presents little more challenge than an ordinary Xerox machine. Instead of expensive X-ray film involving laborious processing and viewing on back-light equipment, the new equipment utilizes a radiographic paper producing and image that can be viewed with reflected light.2 This paper has an emulsion coating on one surface which can be developed in 10 seconds in an instant processor. The soft Xray machines (American made) come complete with double interlocks for safety.

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Author(s): Earl W. Belcher, Jr.

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 24, Number 3 (1973)

Volume: 24

Number: 3