• What is it?– Process that causes a seed to begin to

__________ into a new __________grow plant

Factors influencing germination

• Water

• Oxygen

• Temperature

• Light

Water

• Mature seeds have relatively little moisture to prevent __________

• Seeds usually mature in ______

• To germinate, seeds must ______ _____ water

decayfalltake

in

Water (cont.)

• Outside seed coat = ________

• Seed is _________ when testa is dry and in tact

• With moisture, testa softens, swells and _______________

testadormant

ruptures (opens)

Oxygen

• Oxygen in the presence of enough moisture causes _______________ to start

• This creates __________ for the germination process

respirationenergy

Temperature

• Most seeds go through a ________ period before germination

• Helps prevent seeds from __________ as soon as they mature

• Proper temp. for most seeds = _____________

cold

sprouting

68 – 85 o F

Light• Amount of light needed varies• __________ of seed planting

influences this• Too deep = not enough _______ or

__________• Too shallow may = too much

________

Depth

lightoxygen

light

Dormancy

• Period when seed is alive but not ___________

• Proper __________ break dormancy

• Viable - _________ of living or germinating

growingconditions

capable