Factors Affecting Seed Germination
Seed germination is a process that is influenced by both internal and external factors.
Internal factors include
- Viability: For a seed to germinate, it must be viable, or capable of doing so. Age, storage conditions, and illness are just a few variables that can impact a seed’s viability.
- Dormancy: Despite the best circumstances, some seeds go through a period of dormancy during which they are unable to germinate. Physical obstacles, like a hard seed coat, or internal mechanisms, such as the presence of growth inhibitors, can both induce dormancy.
- Maturity of the embryo: Before a seed may start to germinate, the embryo must be mature enough. Some seeds require a period of after-ripening during which they must be kept in storage before germination may take place.
External factors include
- Water: Water is necessary to soften the seed coat and enable the embryo to start growing and developing, which is a requirement for seed germination. Before germination can take place, the majority of seeds require a certain level of water absorption.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature for the germination of various seeds varies. While some seeds prefer warm temperatures for germination, others need cool ones.
- Oxygen: The respiration process that takes place during germination needs oxygen to function. The seed won’t be able to utilize its stored food reserves to grow and thrive without oxygen.
- Light: While some seeds don’t need it, some do in order to germinate. Additionally, the presence of light can speed up or slow down seed germination in some cases.
Seed Germination
The process by which a seed starts to grow and develop into a new plant is known as seed germination. A number of processes, including imbibition, embryo growth, and radicle emergence, take place during the germination of seeds.