Seed Germination

D. kettle

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 Overview
• What is germination?

• Seed Anatomy

• How it works

• Factors

• Dormancy

• Establishment
 Seed Germination Defined
Biology-online.org:
“…the process by which a dormant seed begins to
sprout and grow into a seedling under the right
Seedbiology.de:
growing conditions.”
“…a complex physiological process triggered by
http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Germination
imbibition of water after possible dormancy
Dictionary.refere.nce.com:
mechanisms have been released by appropriate
ger*mi*nate [jur-muh-neyt]
triggers…rapid expansion growth of the embryo
1.To begin to grow or develop.
culminates in rupture of the covering layers and
2.Botany .
emergence of the radicle…considered completion
a. To develop into a plant or individual, as a
of germination.”
seed, spore, or bulb.
http://www.seedbiology.de/germination.asp
b. To put forth shoots; sprout; pullulate.
3.To come into existence; begin.
Mung bean seeds sprouting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTZih16DUB4
 Base on the video
• Which part of the seed stores food for the
embryo?
• The part of the seed which grows into the
soil/into the air
• Name the process by which seeds moves and
why is it important
• Name the different methods of seed travels.
Seed Anatomy
 Seed Anatomy
• Seed coat provides
protection
• Endosperm = food
(STARCH)
• Aleurone cells = store
abundant protein

• Cotyledon  leaves
• Epicotyl  shoot
• Radicle  root
http://gardening.wsu.edu/library/vege004/vege004.htm
http://web1.uct.usm.maine.edu/~champlin/Courses%20F'09/Handouts/seed%20germination.htm
 Process: Seed Germination

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/steps-of-seed-germination.html

http://bonnieplants.com/library/bonnie-herb-and-vegetable-plant-
food-now-available-for-home-gardens/seed-germinating/

http://www.rollitup.org/cfl-fluorescent-lighting/492395-best-way-
germinate-feminized-ordered.html
 Factors Affecting Germination
What are the factors or conditions needed for
germination to occur?
 Condition / factors that affect
Germination
• Oxygen- oxygen is needed for respiration to
release energy. The stored food in the seed is
used to provide energy to make new cells and
tissue.
• Water- causes seeds to swell, splitting the
testa allowing cell to take up water;
• Suitable temperature- warm temp speed up
enzymes activity and growth.
 Types of Germination
• There are two main types of germination
epigeal and hypogeal.
• In epigeal the cotyledons comes above the
ground as the seedlings grows.
• In hypogeal the cotyledons remain below the
ground.
Types of germination
 Types of germination
• Use your textbook and write four differences
between each types of germination.
• Give two example of each type of
germination.
 Germination percentage
• Viable see is one which is able to germinate
and develop into a seedling.
• Seed viability is usually expressed as a
percentage.
• It refers to the total number of seeds
expected to germinate when 100 are sown.
 Economical important of Seeds
• Many seeds are edible and the majority of
human calories come from seeds, especially
from cereals, legumes and nuts.
• Seeds also provide most cooking oils, many
beverages and spices and some important food
additives.
• 3. Seeds are used to propagate many crops such
as cereals, legumes, forest trees, turf grasses
and pasture grasses
 Economical important of Seeds
• Seeds are also eaten by animals, and are fed
to livestock. Many seeds are used as birdseed.
 Other uses of seeds
• Other uses of seeds
• 1. The world's most important clothing fiber
grows attached to cotton seed.
• 2. Many important nonfood oils are extracted
from seeds. Linseed oil is used in paints. Oil
from jojoba
• 3. Seeds are the source of some medicines
including castor oil, tea tree oil
 References
• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germination

• Champlin Website:
http://web1.uct.usm.maine.edu/~champlin/Courses
%20F'09/Handouts/seed%20germination.htm

• Plant Science and Landscape Architecture,

UMD: http://www.psla.umd.edu/faculty/Coleman/Seed
%20Germination.pdf