Digital X-ray imaging was used to evaluate the effects of mechanical damages on seed quality of maize (Zea mays L.). With X-ray imaging the morphology of the embryonic and endospermal tissue was related with seed and seedling quality. In this study fifty seeds of maize (cultivar AG-510), with and without mechanical damage, were visually selected and digitally photographed in X-ray and visual light conditions. Seed germination was tested on the same individual seeds, and seedlings were digitally photographed. All images were processed using the software package 'Scil-Image' for comparison of mechanical damages and seedling anomalies. The results showed that X-ray analysis can be used to relate internal and external damages of maize seeds with abnormal seedling development. Not all ruptures were important. Especially, ruptures that caused restriction of nutrient translocation to the embryonic axis caused seed and seedling abnormalities.