Using MicroCT to reveal the distribution of seeds within a squirting cucumber

Using MicroCT to reveal the distribution of seeds within a squirting cucumber prior to explosive ejection.

Ecballium elaterium ballistically disperses seeds via a high pressurized jet. Although commonly known in the botanical world as `the squirting cucumber’, the mechanism by which it ejects its seeds is poorly understood.

A team of interdisciplinary researchers at the University of Manchester are currently trying to elucidate how the squirting cucumber has evolved to optimise its seed dispersal strategy through high-speed imaging of seed dispersal and mathematical modelling of the mechanics of ballistic seed ejection.

NXCT expertise in imaging at the University of Manchester supported this research by using MicroCT to visualize the internal structure of the cucumber prior to explosive seed dispersal, providing unparalleled insight into way seeds are distributed in four, coupled columns that are evenly spaced around the long axis of the fruit.

The data collected will aid development of an appropriate mechanical model and form an integral contribution to a scientific paper for a peer-reviewed journal.