Structural diversity in Cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum L.) using SEM and AFM

Seeds of Cuminum cyminum L. were collected from two states of India, Gujarat and West Bengal. The ecological conditions of the two states are quite different and the quantity of the crop production is also different. The microstructural analysis of the two strains (each 30 in number) was done by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) after the same period of time following harvesting. Both the high resolution microscopy techniques reveal specific differences at different levels between the two varieties of the seed. Seed structures which have been analysed under high resolution microscope clearly show the difference in development of furrows and ridges. The papillose hairs are quite dissimilar in length and structure as evident from the SEM images. The topographic and phase images of AFM are significantly different in the two varieties of seeds.