Alive; seeds must be alive in order to germinate. Related Images:
Archives
Secondary root
A type of root system that forms after the primary root emerges from a seed and branches outward. Related Images:
Seed coat
The protective outer layer of a seed that provides protection for the enclosed embryo. Related Images:
Seed dormancy
An adaptive feature of some plants to keep the seeds from germinating until conditions exist that favor seedling survival. Related Images:
Seed scarification
Involves breaking, scratching, or softening the seed coat so that water can enter and begin the germination process. Related Images:
Scarification
Artificial methods to soften the seed coat including scratching or rupturing the seed coat with sandpaper, nicking it with a knife, or degrading it with concentrated acid. Related Images:
Plumule
The shoot portion of an embryo. Related Images:
Outer seed coat
The protective outer shell for the seed. Related Images:
Nonviable
Not alive; nonviable seeds may look normal but will not grow. Related Images:
Open-pollinated seed
Seed produced from natural, random pollination so that the resulting plants are varied. Related Images: