Lecture - 2
SEED GERMINATION
AND FACTORS AFFECTING IT
What is Seed ?
• A seed is a mature ovule that comprises an
embryo or a miniature undeveloped plant and
food reserves, all enclosed within a protective
seed coat.
• Seeds come in
different colour,
shape and size
What is Seed Germination
• Sum of events that begin with hydration of seeds and
culminate in emergence of the embryonic axis.
OR
• The process by which a dormant seed begins to sprout
and grow into a seedling under the right growing
conditions
Germination in Monocots and Dicots
Germination
STAGE EVENTS
PREGERMINATION (a) Rehydration – imbibition of water.
(b) RNA & protein synthesis stimulated.
(c) Increased metabolism – increased respiration.
(d) Hydrolysis (digestion) of food reserves by
enzymes.
(e) Changes in cell ultrastructure.
(f) Induction of cell division & cell growth.
GERMINATION (a) Rupture of seed coat.
(b) Emergence of seedling, usually radicle first.
POST GERMINATION (a) Controlled growth of root and shoot axis.
(b) Controlled transport of materials from food
stores to growing axis.
(c) Senescence (aging) of food storage tissues.
STAGES OF GERMINATION
1 2
The radicle pushes through the seed Primary roots begin to develop and the
coat into the soil hypocotyl forms a hook that straightens out,
pulling the cotyledons above ground.
3
The emergent seedling begin
to straighten out, taking the
cotyledons with it.
5
The primary leaves begin
unfolding and the stem
elongates.
The true leaves completely
emerge and the cotyledons
eventually fall off.
ABIOTIC FACTORS
Germination - Water
• Seed coat may inhibit imbibition (absorption)
of water
• Adequate supply of water is crucial after seed
coat has been overcome
• Too little water and the embryo will not grow
properly
• Too much water can encourage disease
Germination - Light
• Some seeds have a light requirement that
must be met
• Others will not germinate if light is present
• Seed packets should provide instructions
Germination - Oxygen
• All live seeds are respiring
• Dormant seeds have a lower requirement
• Once a seed starts to germinate, aeration is
critical
Germination - Temperature
• Some seeds are sensitive to germination
temperature
• It is usually heat that increases germination (i.e.
tomatoes, beans)
• Bottom heat is used in some greenhouse situations
• In the environment, soil temperature is critical for
proper germination