The observation of internal structure changes and survival prediction modeling of mature coconut during germination based on computed tomography imaging

Due to the unique structure of the coconut, the internal changes in the early process of coconut germination cannot be observed without damage. With the development of imaging technology, computed tomography (CT) has gradually become a non-invasive tool to observe the internal structure of plants. In this study, the growth of haustorium, bud and roots, as well as the density and morphological changes of the internal structure of 100 coconuts from picking to germination were noninvasive observed based on CT imaging for 15 months, to explore the internal development process of coconuts and the factors affecting the planting survival. The results showed that the minor axis of coconut and major axis of coconut increased with time, and the thickness and density of mesocarp and endocarp, weight and liquid endosperm volume decreased with time. Haustorium first appeared in coconut, then appeared bud, and finally formed roots. Mesocarp thickness, endocarp thickness and the presence of haustorium, bud and roots can be used as key factors to predict the survival of coconut. The predictive performance was obtained with an AUC of 0.818 (95 %CI: 0.724–0.912) by binary regression modeling based on the above factors. The CT images can help people understand the internal changes in the process of coconut germination and guide the process of coconut cultivation.