5

Seed
Germination

In the germination process, the seed's role is that of a reproductive unit; it is the thread of
life that assures the survival of all plant species. Furthermore, because of its role in stand
establishment, seed germination remains a key to modern agriculture. Thus, especially in a world
acutely aware of the delicate balance between food production and world population, a
fundamental understanding of germination is essential for maximum crop production.

DEFINITION OF GERMINATION

Various definitions of seed germination have been proposed, and it is important to

understand their distinctions. To the seed physiologist, germination is defined as the emergence
of the radicle through the seed coat. To the seed analyst, germination is "the emergence and
development from the seed embryo of those essential structures which, for the kind of seed in
question, are indicative of the ability to produce a normal plant under favorable conditions"
(AOSA 2000). Others consider germination to be the resumption of active growth by the embryo
resulting in the rupture of the seed coat and the emergence of a young plant. This definition
presumes that the seed has been in a state of quiescence (see Chapter 7), or rest, after its
formation and development. During this period of rest, the seed is in a relatively inactive state
and has a low metabolic rate. It can remain in this state until environmental conditions trigger
the resumption of growth. Regardless of which defmition is preferred, it should be emphasized
that one cannot actually see the process of germination unfold. Therefore, all defmitions include
some measure of seedling development, even though this occurs subsequent to the germination
event.
Some seeds are capable of germination only a few days after fertilization and long before
their normal harvesting time; others are dormant and require an extended rest period or
additional development before germination can occur. Depending on the species, this period may
last for only a few days or for as long as several years. Regardless of the length of time between
maturity and resumption of growth, seed germination may be characterized by several general
processes that are discussed in this chapter.

L. O. Copeland et al., Principles of Seed Science and Technology

© Kluwer Academic Publishers 2001
Seed Germination 73

MORPHOLOGY OF GERMINATION
Based on the fate of the cotyledons or storage organs, two kinds of seed germination occur,
and neither appears to be related to seed structure. These two types are illustrated by the
germination of bean and pea seeds. Although these seeds are similar in structure and are in the
same taxonomic family, their germination patterns are quite different.

Epigeal Germination
Epigeal germination (F igure 5.1) is characteristic of bean and pine seeds and is considered
evolutionarily more primitive than hypogeal germination (described below). During germination,
the cotyledons are raised above the ground where they continue to provide nutritive support to
the growing points. During root establishment, the hypocotyJ begins to elongate in an arch that
breaks through the soil, pulling the cotyledon and enclosed plumule through the ground and
projecting them into the air. Afterward, the cotyledons open, plumule growth continues and the
cotyledons wither and fall to the ground.

HypogeaJ Germination
Hypogeal germination (F igure 5.1) is characteristic of pea seeds, all grasses such as com,
and many other species. During germination, the cotyledons or comparable storage organs
remain beneath the soil while the plumule pushes upward and emerges above the ground. In
hypogeal germination, the epicotyl is the rapidly elongating structure. Regardless oftheir above-
ground or below-ground locations, the cotyledons or comparable storage organs continue to
provide nutritive support to the growing points throughout germination.
The co/eoptile, a temporary sheath enclosing the plumule, is associated with hypogeal
germination of many species (e.g., grasses). It provides protection and rigidity to the emerging
plumule as it pushes through the soil and is exposed to light. Then it stops growing and
disintegrates as the plumule breaks through and continues to grow.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GERMINATION

Seed Maturity

Seeds of most species are capable of germinating long before physiological maturity
(Holmes 1953; Harrington 1959; Bowers 1958; Giri 1967; Williams 1972; Hill and Watkin
1975, Pegler 1976). For example, smooth bromegrass seeds are able to germinate only a few
days after fertilization (Grabe 1956). In other cases, maximum seed germination can only be
obtained if the seed is allowed to dry down slowly as it matures. This is true, for example,in
soybeans in which the ability to synthesize germination requiring enzymes such as malate
synthase and isocitrate lyase developed during the slow maturation process (Adams et al. 1983).
Table 5.1 shows the relationship between seed maturity and germination capability of sow thistle
and Canada thistle.