9

TLE-AFA
AGRI-CROP PRODUCTION
Quarter 2 – Module 2:
Sowing: Growing Seedlings
TLE – Grade 9
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 2: Sowing; Growing Seedlings
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education Secretary:

Leonor Magtolis Briones Undersecretary: Diosdado M.
San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Rosalyn L. Flores
Editors: Eva May L. Baguio, Desan P. Mondia
Reviewers: Eva May L. Baguio
Typesetter: Eva May L. Baguio, Desan P. Mondia
Layout Artist: Reynald M. Manzano
Management Team: Senen Priscillo P. Paulin, CESO V Rosela R. Abiera
Fay C. Luarez, TM, Ed.D., Ph.D. Maricel S. Rasid
Adolf P. Aguilar Elmar L. Cabrera
Nilita R. Ragay, Ed.D.
Antonio B. Baguio,Jr.,Ed. D.

Printed in the Philippines by

Department of Education –Region VII Schools Division of Negros Oriental
Office Address: Kagawasan, Ave., Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental Tele
#: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117
E-mail Address: negros.oriental@deped.gov.ph
 9

TLE
Quarter 2 – Module 2:
Sowing: Growing Seedlings
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help
you master the nature of TLE. The scope of this module permits it to be
used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes
the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow
the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them
can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module is divided into two lessons, namely:

 Lesson 1 – The Seeds
 Lesson 2 – Testing the Planting Materials

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. select good seeds for planting;
2. identify good seeds;
3. enumerate the steps in selecting and storing good seeds;
4. test the planting materials for its viability;
5. determine the percentage of germination.

ii
 What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. Whether newly harvested or stored for some time, seeds as
planting materials have to be tested to determine their .

A. viability B. fertility C. productivity D. validity

2. The inside the seed lies dormant or inactive after the seed
has reached maturity and when properly dried.

A. embryo B. cell C. cotyledon D. leaf

3. There are most common methods of testing the viability of the

seeds to be used by a farmer.

A. two B. three C. four D. five

4. Decomposed organic materials.

A. humus B. loam C. clay D. sand

5. TNSU means:

A. total number of seeds used

B. total number of seedlings used
C. total number of sacks used
D. total number of seed box used

1
Lesson
Testing the Planting
2 Materials

Whether newly harvested or stored for some time, seeds as planting

materials have to be tested to determine their viability. The main reason for
seed testing is to assure the uniformity of growth that prevents a delay in
maturity and avoids unnecessary expenses.

The embryo inside the seed lies dormant or inactive after the seed has
reached maturity and when properly dried. Unless subjected to favourable
conditions, required for germination, it will remain dormant yet still viable
for as long as one year. Beyond this period, however, its viability diminishes.

Seed testing is therefore done before planting to prevent wastage of

planting materials and to avoid unnecessary delay in planting or
transplanting.

Seed testing can serve as a guide to the farmer in adjusting the amount
of seeds needed for planting.

What’s In

Do you still remember the characteristics of good seeds?

How do you identify good seeds?
What are the steps in selecting and storing good seeds?

2
 What’s New

TESTING THE PLANTING MATERIALS

Let us discuss the two most common methods of testing the viability of
the seeds to be used by a farmer.

SEED BOX OR SEED BED METHOD

1. Prepare a seed box using wood,
plastic, or GI (galvanized iron) sheet
material of the box to serve as
passageways for excess water.
2. Place the garden soil in the seed
box, mixed with fine sand and humus
(decomposed organic material) on a
1:1:1 ratio.
3. Sow a given number of seeds. Cover
them with fine soil.
4. Water the seed box or seed bed.
5. After three (3) to five (5) days, count
the number of germinated seeds.

RAG DOLL METHOD

1. Prepare a rag about one

square foot in size.
2. Select a sufficient number of
previously soaked seeds and
distribute evenly to cover the
entire rag.
3. Roll the rag.
4. Tie and place in a safe spot.
5. After three (3) to five (5) days,
unroll the rag and count the
number of germinated seeds or
at least those with signs of initial
germination.

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Determining the Percentage of Germination

To determine the percentage of germination (% germination), count the

number of germinated seeds (GS) and divide this number by the total
number of seeds used (TNSU) before multiplying it by 100.

The formula therefore is:

% Germination No. of seeds germinated x 100

No of seeds used

Example No. 1

Jun tested 50 seeds. After five days, he found out that only 45 seeds
germinated. You compute for the percentage germination:

% Germination = No. of seeds germinated x 100

No. of seeds used

= 45 x 100
50
= 0.90 x 100
= 90%

The percentage of germination is 90%.

Example No. 2

After four days, Peter counted the number of seeds which have signs
of initial germination. But of the hundred seeds tested, only 73 seeds were
to show positive signs if germination. To find out the percentage of
germination:

% Germination = No. of seeds germinated x 100

No. of seeds used

= 73 x 100
100
= 0.73 x 100
= .73%

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Adjusting the Amount of Seeds Needed Based on Percentage Germination
Example No. 1

If the percentage of germination is 90%, how much are you going to use if the
rate of seeding is 100 kg?

Solution:

Adjusted amount = Rate of seeding

% germination

= 100 kg
0.9
= 111.11kgs

111.11 kgs. is the amount of seeds needed based on percentage germination

Example No. 2

Find the adjusted amount if the requirement is 50 kg, and its rate of
germination is 80%.

Solution:

Adjusted amount = Rate of seeding

% germination

= 50 kg
0.80
= 62.5 kg.

62.5 kg. is the amount of seeds needed based on percentage germination.

5
 What is It

Before using the seeds as planting materials, it is very important to test

the viability of these seeds to ensure one hundred per cent germination.
There are only two most common methods of testing the viability of the
seeds. The first method of testing is seed box method. The second is the rag
doll method. When we say viability, this is the ability of the seeds to
germinate.
To determine whether the seeds are good planting materials, the
percentage of germination is being determined. To determine the percentage
germination, steps and formula is being given for you to make it easier for
you to get the percentage germination. Based on the result, a farmer can
decide as to whether or not the said seeds are to be used for planting
materials.

What’s More

Test I.
There are two methods of testing the planting materials. This time
enumerate the five steps in rag doll method.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

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Test II.

To determine the percentage germination of seeds, answer the following

problem.
1. Jose tested 50 seeds. After five days, he found out that only 45 seeds
germinated. You compute for the percentage germination following the
formula that is already given to you. Use a separate answer sheet.

2. Pedro counted the number of seeds which have signs of initial

germination. But of the hundred seeds tested, only 73 seeds were able to
show positive signs of germination. Find out the percentage of germination.

What I Have Learned

1. The main reason for seed testing is to assure the uniformity of

growth that prevents a delay in maturity and avoids unnecessary
expenses.
2. The embryo inside the seed lies dormant or inactive after the seed
has reached maturity and when properly dried.
3. To determine the percentage of germination (% germination), count the
number of germinated seeds (GS) and divide this number by the total
number of seeds used (TNSU) before multiplying it by 100.
4. GS-germinated seeds
5. TNSU- total number of seeds used
6. G.I.- galvanized iron
7. Humus- decomposed organic material
8. Seed testing can serve as a guide to the farmer in adjusting the amount of
seeds needed for planting a given area.
9. After 3 to 5 days, count the number of germinated seeds.

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 What I Have Learned

Remember These:

1. The main reason for seed testing is to assure the uniformity of

growth that prevents a delay in maturity and avoids unnecessary
expenses.
2. The embryo inside the seed lies dormant or inactive after the seed
has reached maturity and when properly dried.
3. To determine the percentage of germination (% germination), count the
number of germinated seeds (GS) and divide this number by the total
number of seeds used (TNSU) before multiplying it by 100.
4. GS-germinated seeds
5. TNSU- total number of seeds used
6. G.I.- galvanized iron
7. Humus- decomposed organic material
8. Seed testing can serve as a guide to the farmer in adjusting the amount of
seeds needed for planting a given area.
9. After 3 to 5 days, count the number of germinated seeds.

Assessment

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. Whether newly harvested or stored for some time, seeds as

planting materials have to be tested to determine their .
A. viability B. fertility C. productivity D. validity

2. The inside the seed lies dormant or inactive after the seed
has reached maturity and when properly dried.
A. embryo B. cell C. cotyledon D. leaf

3. There are--------------------most common methods of testing the viability of

the seeds to be used by a farmer.
8
A. two B. three C. four D. five

9
4. Decomposed organic materials.
A. humus B. loam C. clay D. sand

5. TNSU means:
A. total number of seeds used C. total number of sacks used
B. total number of seedlings used D. total number of seed box used

Additional Activities

Secure another kind of seeds and do the following.

1. Test the viability of these seeds

2. Use rag doll method of testing.
3. After 3 to 5 days, count the number of seeds germinated.
4. Determine the percentage germination.
5. Give recommendations whether the seeds are suitable planting materials.

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Answer Key

2.73%

1. 90%

II.

of seeds germinated.
days and count the number
5. Unroll the rag after 3 to 5

spot.
4. Tie and place in a safe

3. Roll the rag.

of previously-soaked seeds.
2. Select a sufficient number
A 5. 5.
4. D square foot in size. A D
4.
C 3. 1. P repare a rag about 1 C 3.
2. B 2. B
A 1. I. A 1.
Assessment What's More What I
Know

11
References
Agriculture and Fishery Arts I by
Emmanuel S. Valdez
Evez Fernando
Cristina B. Celarta
Joni M. Albarico

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of Negros Oriental

Kagawasan, Avenue, Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Tel #: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117

Email Address: negros.oriental@deped.gov.ph Website:
lrmds.depednodis.net