# Autofluorescence−spectral imaging for rapid and invasive characterization of soybean for pre-germination anaerobic stress tolerance

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new imaging technique to quickly identify soybean seeds that can tolerate stress before germination.

## Contribution

The study introduces autofluorescence-spectral imaging as a novel marker for soybean stress tolerance characterization.

## Key findings

- Tolerant soybean seeds can be distinguished from susceptible ones using 405 nm and 638 nm excitation wavelengths.
- The ASI technique provides rapid and non-invasive characterization of soybean genotypes.
- The method offers potential insights for soybean breeding by detecting photon-emitting compounds in seed coats.

## Abstract

The autofluorescence-spectral imaging (ASI) technique is based on the light-emitting ability of natural fluorophores. Soybean genotypes showing contrasting tolerance to pre-germination anaerobic stress can be characterized using the photon absorption and fluorescence emission of natural fluorophores occurring in seed coats. In this study, tolerant seeds were efficiently distinguished from susceptible genotypes at 405 nm and 638 nm excitation wavelengths. ASI approach can be employed as a new marker for the detection of photon-emitting compounds in the tolerant and susceptible soybean seed coats. Furthermore, the accuracy of rapid characterization of genotypes using this technique can provide novel insights into soybean breeding.