10

Technology and
Livelihood Education
Agri – Fishery Arts
HORTICULTURE
Quarter 2 – Module 1
Conduct Seed Testing
Technology and Livelihood Education – Grade 10
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 - Module 1
First Edition, 2021

Republic Act 8293 section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any
work of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation
of such work for profit. Such agency of office may, among other things. Impose as a
condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, photos, brand names,

trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from
their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim
ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

DEVELOPMENT TEAM OF THE MODULE

Writers : Henjel B. Perales

Editor : Jose Garry Napoles

Reviewers :

Illustrator and Layout Artist :

Management Team:
Schools Division Superintendent : Marilyn S. Andales
Assistant Schools Div. Superintendents : Anelito A. Bongkawil
Fay C. Luarez
Lorenzo M. Dizon
Chief Education Supervisor, CID : Mary Ann P. Flores
Education Program Supervisor, LRMDS : Isaiash T. Wagas
Education Program Supervisor, TLE : Jose Garry R. Napoles

Department of Education – Regional Office 7

DepED-Division of Cebu Province
Office Address : IPHO Bldg., Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City
Telefax : (032) 255-6405, (032) 255-440
E-mail Address : cebu.province@deped.gov.ph
 10

Technology and
Livelihood Education
Agri – Fishery Arts
HORTICULTURE
Quarter 2 – Module 1
Conduct Seed Testing
 WHAT I NEED TO KNOW
In hope of slowing down the spread of CoViD-19, the DepEd had decided to
have an alternative learning modality aside from the face-to-face approach to education
since it is already losing its relevance in this time of crisis. Thus, this module was designed
and written for learning at home. It is here to help you master the nature of Horticulture. The
scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations and we
encourage you not to stop learning but must adapt to the new types of learning modality.

This is the first module of the second quarter in TLE AFA: Horticulture 10.
This is specifically crafted to hone your skills to be a successful horticulturist. It focuses on
the competency which is to conduct seed testing. An effective horticulturist is equipped
with the practical knowledge and skills in the field of agriculture. Learning the competencies
of this lesson will prepare you for future employment, higher education, and business.
Furthermore, you can also apply the knowledge and skills acquired from this module to
improve your personal well-being. It is a life skill that is timely and relevant in this time of
pandemic.

In the previous lesson you learn the characteristics of the good quality seeds
and how to properly procure and select good quality seeds. After selecting your seeds for
planting, you must also test the viability of your seeds. At the end of the module, you are
expected to:

define seed testing and its different methods;

determine the purpose and importance of seed testing; and
value the necessity to test seed viability to assure gardening success.

WHAT I KNOW

Directions: Read the statements carefully and identify what is defined in each item. Write
the answers on your answer sheet.

__________ 1. It is the operation involved to determine whether or not the seeds are viable,
clean, true-to-type, and to find out the percentage of germination of seeds.

__________ 2. It is the resumption of the growth of the seed embryo after the period of
dormancy.

__________ 3. It is a method where seeds are placed in a shallow woven basket or “bilao”
to sort the empty and good seeds.

__________ 4. It is a way of testing the viability of the seeds by placing them in the soil and
providing the needed resources such as air, water, warmth and light to germinate and grow
into a seedling.

__________ 5. It provides a good estimation on the viability of the population of the seeds
tested.

1
__________ 6. It is a method practiced with seeds that have a hard seed coat which
impermeable to water and oxygen.

__________ 7. It is a method to check seed viability by placing the seeds in a container of

water and observe which seeds float or sink.

__________ 8. It is a test that involves placing a known number of seeds in a moist paper
towel, rolling the towel and seeds to be placed inside a plastic bag and assessing the
number of seeds that germinated over the next few days.

__________ 9. These are materials used during a germination test in the absence of a
seeds box, seed tray or polyethylene bags.

__________ 10. It is the first part of the plant to emerge during seed germination which will
develop into the primary root from which root hairs and lateral roots will develop.

WHAT’S IN
Directions: Draw a seedling or a plant on your answer sheet. On each part, write a
characteristic of a good quality seed. A sample is done for your guidance.

Characteristics of a Good
Quality Seed

The previous module brought and taught you that proper procuring and
selecting of good quality seeds plays a significant role in vegetable production. One must
take consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of securing one’s seeds. Learning
these are indispensable to achieve the standard set by the industry of horticulture. As a
young learner who dreams of acquiring such skills, you will have to practice what you have
learned to achieve your vision to become a successful horticulturist. Your prior knowledge on
proper procuring and selecting of good quality seeds as well as the use of appropriate seed
germination methods will make your work easier, faster, and better in the agricultural field.
This topic is part of the course in HORTICULTURE leading to NC II
Qualification consisting of the core competencies that a person must achieve in producing

2
major lowland and semi temperate vegetables.
Finally, you are now in the second week and this module shall develop the
knowledge, skills, and attitudes in conducting seed testing.

3
 WHAT’S NEW
Directions: Read the paragraph and study the picture below. Give your opinion on
the following question. Write your insights on your answer sheet.
At home, siblings Lito and Lita were tasked by their parents to plant some
vegetables in their backyard garden. They were asked to propagate 100 pechay
seeds. With excitement, they prepared the tools and materials they could use in
sowing the seeds as well as select seeds that they think have good quality. After
preparing everything, they started sowing the seeds 3 centimeters deep in the soil of
each recycled disposable cup. Fortunately, after a few days of waiting, all of the
seeds they’ve sown germinated and have become healthy seedlings. They then
planted their seedlings in the garden.

1. What are the things Lito and Lita did to prepare the task?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. What is the result of their task? Did they fail or were they successful?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
3. What do you think are the factors that contributed to the outcome of their
task?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
4. Why do you think it is important to do such things in order to have healthy
vegetable plants in your garden?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: The picture is used to put emphasis and to show concrete examples for deeper understanding of the
lesson. The Department of Education – Cebu Province does not claim or own the presented picture. Link for the
source is found in the reference part of the module.
 WHAT IS IT
Conducting Seed Testing
Before seeds are sown or planted in the field they must be tested to
determine if these are viable, clean, true-to-type, disease free, and others. By doing such,
the grower will not entail losses in agricultural inputs, time, and energy.
Seed testing is the operation involved to determine whether or not the seeds
are viable, clean, true-to-type, and to find out the percentage of germination of seeds. This is
performed to find out the number of seeds/seedlings to plant in a given area. In that case,
sowing the right number of seeds will economize labor and expenses in re-planting.
Seed testing is determining the physical purity and germination to assess the quality of the
seeds. Seed Testing is possible for those who buy and use seeds. This will help you to
estimate the viability of seed population.
Seed Germination is the resumption of the growth of the seed embryo after
the period of dormancy. Seed Germination in its simplest definition is the development of
the seed into a young plant or seedling. Prior to any visual signs of growth, the seeds must
absorb water through the seed coat and micropyle. In addition, the seeds must be in their
proper environmental conditions and is exposed to oxygen, favorable temperature, proper
amount of moisture, and correct amount of light. The suitability of the soil should also be
considered.
When the seed germinates, the radicle is the first part to emerge. It will
develop into the primary root from which root hairs and lateral roots will develop. It will
establish itself well in the ground before the other parts of the embryo emerge above the
surface of the soil so that the seedlings may not be easily dislodged from its position and the
parts which are soon to be exposed to the drying influence of the sun and wind and may
continually be supplied with water from the soil.
The portion of the seedling between the radicle and the first leaf-like part
(plumule), are attached to a structure called the hypocotyl which becomes the stem. The
seed leaves and cotyledons encase the embryo and are usually different in shape from the
leaves that the mature plant will produce.
In some cases, when seeds sown fail to germinate, the following maybe the
reasons according to Calacala (1977):
 The seeds are in their dormant stage.
 The seed coat is thick and hard.
 The seeds are immature.
 The seeds have dead embryo.
 The ground is too dry
 The weather is too cold
In order for the seeds to germinate apply special treatment to hasten their
germination. The methods maybe traditional but somehow effective. Treat the seeds using
the following techniques:
 Break, crack, or scarify the seed coat especially seeds having hard and thick seed
coat to allow the entrance of water and oxygen.
 Apply a little heat to activate the dormant seed (hot water treatment). This is done by
dipping seeds in boiling water for an instant. Avoid over heating so as not to kill the
embryo.
Disclaimer: The content is used to put emphasis and to show concrete examples for deeper understanding of the
lesson. The Department of Education – Cebu Province does not claim or own the presented picture. Link for the
source is found in the reference part of the module.
  Employ better storage facilities. The death of the seed embryo due to faulty storage
facilities may be prevented by improving the facilities where seeds are kept until
planting time.
Most of the local farmers who are in small scale vegetable gardening, save
their own seeds for the next planting season. To make sure that your seeds is still viable you
have to conduct seed testing.
One of the most important reasons is to determine quality of seeds – meaning
the level of degree of their suitability for a particular purpose–producing a crop.
The objective of seed testing is to assure that the seeds that you are going to plant is still
viable for planting.
 Purposes of Seed Testing
 Remove impurities
 Find out the percentage of seed germination
 Economize labor and expenses in re- planting
 Obtain a uniform stand of crops
 Discover whether or not the seeds are true to their name
There are several ways to test seeds. Some of these methods have been
practiced by local farmers and other crop growers. The following are the various seed testing
method which can be performed by the home gardener or planters:
1. Breaking The Seed Coat. This method is practiced with seeds that have a hard
seed coat which impermeable to water and oxygen.
2. Winnowing. Seeds are placed in a shallow woven basket or “bilao” to winnow the
seeds. All seeds being blown away are empty and are not viable. Those that remain
in the “bilao” are good seeds.
3. Floating in Water.
Duration for this method is about 15-20 minutes. It is the quickest method.
Steps:
Take your seeds and put them in an exceedingly jar or basin of water. Allow
them to set for 10-15 minutes. If the seeds sink, they’re still viable for planting, if they float,
they presumable won’t sprout. These method works well for large seeds like corn and bean
seeds but this may not work if the seeds are very tiny like petchay and carrot seeds.
4. Germination Test. This may be done in seedbeds, seed boxes, seed trays, petri
dishes, recycled materials, polyethylene bags or in a piece of cloth (ragdoll method).
a. Rag Doll Method
Duration for this method is about 3-14 days depending on the kind of seeds you
are going to test. This is the time- tested method for old seeds.
Materials needed: paper towel or any moisture holding materials, seeds, water and plastic
zip bag.
1. Wet the paper towel and fold in fourths. It should be moistened, not dripping.
2. Put your seeds inside the paper towel and make sure the seeds are not touching.
3. Place the wet paper towel inside the plastic bag.
4. Check the packaged every few days and note the germination.

Disclaimer: The picture and the content are used to put emphasis and to show concrete examples for deeper
understanding of the lesson. The Department of Education – Cebu Province does not claim or own the presented
picture. Link for the source is found in the reference part of the module.
 b. Petri Dish Method. The seeds will be germinated in a petri dish
Materials needed: petri dish, filter paper, seeds
1. Moisten a piece of filter paper in a petri dish
2. Place the seeds in row

c. Seed Box or Seed Tray Method.

1. Fill the seed box or seed tray with soil.
2. Water them thoroughly and let the excess water drain out.
3. When you plant the seeds make sure that the soil should be moist but not soaking
wet.

d. Polyethylene Bags Method. This is mostly used for bigger seeds.

1. Fill the polyethylene bags with soil.
2. Water them thoroughly and let the excess water drain out.
3. When you plant the seeds, make sure that the soil should be moist but not soaking
wet.

e. Using Recycled Plastic Cups. In the absence of proper materials for seed
germination, gardeners can use recycled disposable cups or containers.
1. Make some holes before filling the recycled materials with soil.
2. Water them thoroughly and let the excess water drain out.
3. When you plant the seeds, make sure that the soil should be moist but not soaking
wet.
 Percentage Germination
Percentage germination provides a good estimation on the viability of the
population of the seeds tested. In obtaining the percentage germination you will be able to
determine whether the seeds you bought or stored are of good quality or not.
Determining the Percentage Germination of Seeds
Based on the Lecture Notes in Agronomy 11 (NVSIT), there are rules in computing for the
percentage of germinating seeds.
Rule 1: If you test 100 seeds, the number of seeds germinated equals the percentage
germination of the seeds.
Disclaimer: The picture and the content are used to put emphasis and to show concrete examples for deeper
understanding of the lesson. The Department of Education – Cebu Province does not claim or own the presented
picture. Link for the source is found in the reference part of the module.
Example: You tested 100 seeds of eggplant using the rag doll method, 85 seeds germinated.
The percentage germination of the seeds then is 85%.
Rule 2. If you test less than or more than 100 seeds use the formula below in computing the
percentage germination of the seeds.
Example: Mr. X tested 125 seeds of hybrid tomato and 105 germinated. What is the
percentage germination of the tomato seeds?

Rule 3. If you found out that the percentage germination of your seeds is below 80, you need
to adjust your seed bulk. Use the formula below in adjusting the seed bulk.

Example:
You needed 200 seedlings to plant your garden. You found out thatyour seeds have only 75
% germination. How many seeds will you sow?
Let: X = the number of seeds to sow or your adjusted seeds

Disclaimer: The content is used to put emphasis and to show concrete examples for deeper understanding of the
lesson. The Department of Education – Cebu Province does not claim or own the presented picture. Link for the
source is found in the reference part of the module.

WHAT’S MORE
A. Directions: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is incorrect. Write the
answer on your answer sheet.

___________ 1. Seed treatment is performed to determine the viability and purity of the
seeds

___________ 2. Seed testing is the operation involving the identification as to whether or not
the seeds are viable, clean and free from diseases and mixture.

___________ 3. When you plant the seeds make sure that the soil should be moist soaking
wet and not dry.

___________ 4. Faulty storage can cause the death of a seed embryo.

___________ 5. Floating in water method is applicable to all types of seeds.

___________ 6. Weather condition can be a cause for a sown seed to fail its germination.

___________ 7. Breaking or cracking the seed coat especially seeds having hard and thick
seed coat can help in seed germination.

___________ 8. Seeds cannot germinate in a petri dish.

___________ 9. Percentage germination helps to determine whether the seeds you bought
or stored are of good quality or not.

___________ 10. Hot water treatment or a little heat applied can help to activate the
dormant seeds.

B. Directions: Read and analyze the situation. Compute for the percentage germination of
seeds used. Show your solution and write the answer on your answer sheet.

1. Mang Juan tested 150 munggo seeds. After several days only 130 seeds germinated.
What is the percentage germination of munggo seeds tested?

2. Aling Nora tested 75 seeds of tomato which she took from the school seed bank. She
found out that only 53 seeds germinated. What is the percentage germination of the tomato
seeds?

3. Maria received free seeds of kangkong from a friend who is a vegetable grower in her
community. To determine if the seeds are viable, she sowed 50 seeds using a 50-hole-seed
tray. After a week he found out that only 40 seeds germinated. What is the percentage
germination of the kangkong seeds he tested?

4. Montana performed the paper towel method in testing the viability of her eggplant seeds.
She tested 120 seeds of eggplant. After several days there were only 95 seeds germinated.
What is the percentage germination of the eggplant seeds tested?

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Directions: Write your insights by completing the sentences that will summarize the lesson.
Write the answer on your answer sheet.

1. Seed testing is an operation done in different methods such as ___________

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. It necessary to test the viability of seeds before planting because __________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
3. Knowing the percentage germination of the seeds is done so that _________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
4. The purpose of seed testing is/are __________________________________
______________________________________________________________
 ______________________________________________________________

WHAT I CAN DO
Directions: Test seed viability by using the different germination test. Collect 50 munggo
seeds, 50 tomato seeds, 50 pechay seeds, and 50 kangkong seeds. Prepare the materials
and follow the steps for each task in the readings in WHAT IS IT. Observe what will happen
to the seed in the following days. Compute for the percentage germination of each group of
seeds in every task. Write your observation on your answer sheet. Do not forget to take
pictures while doing the tasks wearing your garden personal protective equipment (PPE).

Task 1 - Seed testing using petri dish

Task 2 - Seed testing using Ragdoll method

Task 3 - Seed Testing using a seed box or seed tray

Task 4 - Seed Testing using recycled disposable cups

Rubric:

Vegetable Seed: No. of No. of No. of No. of No. of

Seeds Seeds Seeds Healthy Unhealthy
__________________
Sowed that Grew Seedlings Seedlings

Good Quality

Bad Quality

Conclusion:

ASSESSMENT

Directions: Read and answer the questions carefully. Write the letter of the best answer in
your answer sheet of paper.

1. What is the resumption of the growth of the seed embryo after the period of
dormancy?
A. seed dormancy
B. seed germination
C. seed viability
D. seed maturity
2. What is seed testing?
A. It is done to determine the physical purity and germination to assess
the quality of the seeds.
B. It is the operation involved in determining whether or not the seeds is
viable and free of injuries.
 C. Both A & B
D. None of the above

3. Which of the following is NOT a purpose of seed testing?

A. Remove impurities
B. Obtain uniform stand of crops
C. Economize expenses in replanting
D. Waste time and effort
4. What will provide an estimation on the viability of the population of the seeds
tested?
A. Seed quality
B. Seed quantity
C. Percentage germination
D. Seed testing
5. Which of the following statement is correct?
A. Use personal protective equipment in handling chemicals.
B. Dispense the chemicals in a well-ventilated area.
C. Do not follow the manufacturer’s recommendations
D. Both A and B
6. Mang Juan sow 130 tomato seeds in a tray. After several days only 100
seeds germinated. What is the percentage germination?
A. 86%
B. 96%
C. 76%
D. 100%
7. What is performed to determine the viability, cleanliness and percentage
germination?
A. seed treatment
B. seed testing
C. seed viability
D. seed maturity
8. What is considered as the quickest method of testing seeds?
A. ragdoll method
B. petri dish method
C. floating in water
D. seed box method
9. How can you compute for the percentage germination?
A. Percentage germination is obtained by multiplying the number of
germinated seeds by 100 and divided by the number of seeds tested.
B. Percentage germination is obtained by multiplying the number of
germinated seeds by 50 and divided by the number of seeds
germinated
C. Percentage germination is obtained by multiplying the number of
seeds tested by 100 and divided by the number of seeds germinated.
 D. Percentage germination is obtained by multiplying the number of
germinated seeds by the number of seeds tested and divided by 100
10 Which of the following statement is CORRECT?
. A. Clean up the spilled chemical after working.
B. Avoid labeling the chemicals.
C. You can smoke when handling chemicals
D. Always use mask, gloves and other protective gear when handling
chemicals.
11 In germinating seeds using seed box, you should water the soil thoroughly
and make sure it is soaking wet prior to sowing seeds.
A. true
B. false
C. sometimes
D. most of the times
12 Which of the following statement is INCORRECT?
. A. Always provide emergency eye wash when handling chemicals
B. Handle the chemicals even without protective gear.
C. Change your clothes after using chemicals
D. Always wash your hands after handling chemicals.
13 Why is seed testing important?
. A. It helps you determine the quality of seeds.
B. It gives assurance that the seeds that you are going to plant will still
germinate.
C. To determine whether the seeds are still viable.
D. All of the above.
14 What method works well for large seeds?
. A. Rag doll method
B. Petri – dish method
C. Seed box method
D. Floating in water method
15 If you test 100 seeds and only 79 seeds germinated. What is the percentage
. germination?
A. 79 %
B. 50%
C. 69%
D. 87%

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

Directions: Take pictures of yourself wearing your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
while you do the tasks in WHAT I CAN DO. Take pictures of your daily observations of your
seed testing. Make sure to write a short caption for every picture about the observations you
have noticed. Print and paste the pictures on a short-sized bond paper and submit it to your
TLE teacher.

ANSWER KEY

WHAT I KNOW WHAT ‘S MORE

Activity B
1. SEED TESTING 1. Given:
2. SEED GERMINATION No. of seeds tested = 150
3. WINNOWING No. of seeds germinated = 130
4. GERMINATION TEST
5. PERCETAGE % germination = 130
GERMINATION 150 x 100
% germination = 130x100
6. BREAKING THE SEED
150
7. FLOATING IN WATER = 13,000
8. RAG DOLL METHOD 150
9. RECYCLED PLASTIC % Germination = 86.67%
CUPS
10. RADICLE 2. Given:
No. of seeds tested = 75
No. of seeds germinated = 53

ASSESSMENT % germination = 53
75 x 100
1. B WHAT ‘S MORE
% germination = 53 x100
2. C 75
Activity A
3. D = 5,300
4. C 1. TRUE 75
5. D 2. TRUE % Germination = 70.67%
6. C 3. FALSE
7. B 3. Given:
4. TRUE No. of seeds tested = 50
8. C 5. FALSE No. of seeds germinated = 40
9. A 6. TRUE
10. D 7. TRUE % germination = 40
11. B 8. FALSE 50 x 100
12. B 9. TRUE % germination = 40x100
13. D 10. TRUE 50
14. D = 4,000
15. A 50
% Germination = 80%

WHAT’S IN 4. Given: No. of seeds tested = 120

Answers may vary. No. of seeds germinated = 95
% germination = 95
WHAT’S NEW 120 x 100
Answers may vary. % germination = 95x100
120
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED = 9500
Answers may vary. 120
% Germination = 79.17%
WHAT I CAN DO
Output may vary.
REFERENCES
https://www.canva.com/design/DAEuFlvUw1k/gml_rpnSVll8zRm_lcMEog/view?
utm_content=DAEuFlvUw1k&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=
homepage_design_menu

Brennan , Eugene, “Gardening For Beginners: 10 Easy Steps to Sowing Seeds “

dengarden”. Last Updated on May 11, 2020 https://dengarden.com/gardening/How-
to-Sow-Seeds
Iannoti , Marie, “What is Direct Seeding of Direct Sowing ? “the spruce”. Last
Updated October 24,2019. www.thespruce.com/what-is-direct-seeding-or-direct-
sowing-1403094
Study.com, “What is Seed Germination? – Definition , Process, Steps & Factors
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-seed-germination-definition-process-
steps-factors.html
http://seednet.ap.nic.in/Stl/htmlpages/GerminationTesting.htm
Department of Education ,Competency- Based Learning Material, Third Year
Horticulture NC II.
Colleen Vanerlindin, “ How To Determine The Proper Depth To Plant, Seed. The
spruce. Updated October 18, 2019. https://www.thespruce.com/how-deeply-should-
seeds-be-planted-2539711¬
Anon. 2011. Agricultural Ventures Series 1. Volume 1: M.L. Antonio Enterprise,
Manila, Philippines.
Bautista, O. K. and R.C.Mabesa. 1977. Planting Vegetable Crops. In: Vegetable
Production. University of the Philippines at Los Banos, College of Agriculture,
College, Laguna, Philippines.
Calacala, C. 1977. Lectures Notes in Agronomy 11. Nueva Vizcaya State Institute of
Technology, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines.
INGO. 2005. Resource Manual on Integrated Production and Pest Management
(IPPM) in Vegetables. World Education (INGO) Philippines, Inc., 2999 National
Road, Anos, Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines.
http://extension.umass.edu/floriculture/fact-sheets/growing-vegetable-transplants-
and-bedding-plants-media-nutrition-planting-culture-pest#nutrient. Retrieved March
2, 2014.
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/tomato.html. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/potato.html. Retrieved March 3, 2014.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – (Bureau/Office)
(Office Address)
Telefax
Email Address