In plant biology, a seed is a small, undeveloped embryo of a plant. It can be a part of the husk or tuber of a plant, and is a food reserve for the plant. Often, it is enclosed in a protective outer covering.
Germination
Germination is an important part of plant development. It involves the growth of a shoot and the development of leaves. In order to do this, seedlings need to have sufficient water. Water provides the necessary nutrients for the growing embryo, and also softens the seed coat.
Seeds need to have an adequate amount of water and the right temperature. When exposed to warmer conditions, seeds will germinate sooner than when exposed to colder temperatures. However, there are other factors that may also affect the germination process.
Environmental factors such as temperature and light sensitivity can influence the germination of seeds. In addition, environmental conditions such as the depth of the seeds and water availability can also affect germination.
Size and shape
The size and shape of a seed is often overlooked. However, the small black seeds are a boon to soil dwellers such as earthworms, bees, and other aphid eaters. They also provide an essential component to the ecosystem: a source of food, water, and shelter. A seed’s size is a function of its weight, which, in turn, affects its fate. Some species are known to develop a seed bank, while others rely on ad-hoc methods for dispersing their crop. Hence, the role of the seed in plant ecology is of paramount importance.
There are several ways to measure the size of a seed, including its shape, its weight, and its size relative to its surroundings. For instance, the average seed weighs about 1.5 pounds. Therefore, it is no surprise that it is a common sight to see a worm or two buried within its belly.
Endosperm development
Endosperm development in seed is a major part of plant growth. The endosperm is a mechanical barrier which protects the embryo. It also controls the development of the embryo. In seed plants, the endosperm is composed of several different cell types. Each cell type possesses its own specific gene expression network.
Endosperm development is associated with mitotic activity and endoreduplication. During the linear phase of development, multiple rounds of endoreduplication occur. This increases the number of cells and nuclear size. A few important factors that determine this process are cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) and CDKB inhibitor proteins.
These proteins regulate the transition from G2 to M phases. Additionally, they may also function as inhibitors of endoreduplication.
Temperature
The temperature of the seed plays a key role in the growth and development of plants. It is important to understand how it affects germination capacity in order to improve the vigor of this process.
A variety of studies have been conducted to study the impact of temperature on germination. They have shown that seed stored at a low temperature behaves similarly to seed that is fresh.
The best constant temperatures for germination of fresh and mature seed are 15 deg and 20 deg C. Seeds placed to germinate at an alternation of 10deg to 25deg C germinated slower than those prechilled before 25deg.
Germination tests were carried out in June, immediately after the harvest. A 6-month-old seed was used to test the effect of temperature on its development.
Moisture
Moisture in seed is one of the most important factors affecting seed longevity. If seed moisture content is high, it results in loss of viability. It is important to store seeds at low moisture levels.
The moisture content of a seed depends on the ambient temperature, relative humidity (RH) and storage conditions. The presence of moisture increases the respiration rate of seeds. A low moisture content is a pre-requisite for long-term storage.
Seeds are commonly stored in earthen bins or in porous packaging materials. This is because the seed absorbs water from the air. However, different packaging materials have different water vapor transmission rates.
In South Asia, most seeds are packaged in porous packaging materials such as jute, polypropylene, PP bags, and paper bags. These materials have large pore sizes, and allow for free access to water vapors.
Air and light conditions
There’s a reason you’re reading this article and you’ll be glad you did. The seed, no, the bulb, you’ll be well on your way to a successful garden in no time. After a long winter, there’s no better time to start your green thumb off on the right foot. To make this process a breeze, you’ll need to do a few things right the first time around, such as choosing the right seed and taking advantage of the right season. Getting your seeds on the right foot is a big accomplishment, and all the more exciting, knowing how to do it well. To ensure the best possible seed germination for a healthy and happy crop, use these tips and tricks to get the job done.
