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Seed Germination

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1 (1) (2) Physiology of Seed Germination Miller B. McDonald Seed Biology Program Department of Horticulture and Crop Science The Ohio State University Columbus, OH 43210-1086 mcdonald.2@osu.edu (3) In the germination process, the seed’s role is that of a reproductive unit; it is the thread of life that assures survival of all plant species. Furthermore, because of its role in stand establishment, seed germination remains a key to modern agriculture. Thus, especially in a world acutely aware of the delicate balance between food production and world population, a fundamental understanding of germination is essential to crop production. (4) Definition of Seed Germination. Various definitions of seed germination have been proposed, and it is important to understand their distinctions. The the seed physiologist, germination is defined as the emergence of the radicle through the seed coat. Such a definition says nothing about other essential structures such as the epicotyl or hypocotyls that become the above ground parts of a successful seedling. To the seed analyst, germination is “the emergence and development from the seed embryo of those essential structures which, for the kind of seed in question, are indicative of the ability to produce a normal plant under favorable conditions.” This definition focuses on the reproductive ability of the seed, an essential objective in agriculture. Does it have the capacity to produce a normal plant? Others consider germination to be the resumption of active growth by the embryo resulting in the rupture of the seed coat and emergence of a young plant. This definition presumes that the seed has been in a state of quiescence, or rest, after its formation and development. During this period of rest, the seed is in a relatively inactive state and has a low rate of metabolism. It can remain in that state until environmental conditions

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