A novel approach integrating multispectral imaging and machine learning to identify seed maturity and vigor in smooth bromegrass

Smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis) was adopted as experiment materials for identifying the seed maturity using a combination of multispectral imaging and machine learning. The trials were conducted to investigate the effects of three nitrogen application levels (0, 100 and 200 kg N ha− 1, defined as CK, N1 and N2 respectively) and two spikelet grain positions: superior grain (SG) at the basal position and inferior grain (IG) at the upper position, on smooth bromegrass seeds. The germination characteristics of the seeds revealed that the variations in nitrogen application and grain positions significantly influenced seeds vigor. The seed vigor of increased gradually with their maturity, reaching a high level at 30 and 36 days after anthesis. A stacking ensemble learning approach was employed to identify the seed maturity based on multispectral imaging and autofluorescence imaging. The results demonstrated that the Ensemble model outperformed Support Vector Machine, Bayesian, XGBoost and Random Forest across all evaluated metrics in different scenarios. The model accuracy in CK, N1 and N2 were 89%, 87% and 93%, respectively. Furthermore, the SHapley Additive exPlanations method was selected to interpret the Ensemble model, identifying important features such as 405, 430, 540, 630, 645, 690, 850, 880 and 970 nm. These features exhibited a significant correlation with fresh weight, shoot length and vigor index. These findings showed the high accuracy and generalizability of the Ensemble model for identifying the maturity and quality of smooth bromegrass seeds. Therefore, a new strategy would be offered for evaluating seed maturity and vigor level.