The Effects of Freezing on Vegetable Seeds

Natalie Mang9th Grade

Problem

• Will vegetable seeds germinate after being frozen for various times at the same temperature?

• Chose to do this experiment because…

Research

• Vegetable seeds germinate like all other types seeds. – Seed absorbs water & activates an enzyme.– Respiration occurs & seed coat opens,

allowing the first signs of germination. • Different variables can affect the

germination rate of seeds.– Light, temperature, moisture, etc.

Hypothesis

• If the vegetable seeds are frozen for various times than they will take longer to germinate than those that were not frozen.

Materials

• Carrot, Pea & Bean seeds.• Soil – Agway Seed Starter Mix• Small germination pots• Natural sunlight• Water• Freezer

Procedure• Carrot, Pea and Bean seeds divided into four groups: No freezing,

24 hour, 48 hour and 7 day.• Placed in the freezer the 24 hour, 48 hour and 7 day. • Planted the no freezing seeds.• After being in the freezer for 24 hours planted the seeds. • Repeated with 48 hour and 7 day.• Recorded times of when and how many seeds germinated for two

weeks after the no freezing seeds were planted.

Data• First graph- Effect of different

temperatures.

• Second graph- Ability to germinate

• ANOVA testing– P Value- 9.98571E-05

• Shows significant difference in germination– P Value- 0.936559291

• Shows no significant difference in freezing

Conclusion• Hypothesis (was not supported)- If the vegetable seeds are frozen

for various times than they will take longer to germinate than those that were not frozen.

• Was not supported because there was no difference in the length of time it took the seeds to germinate. – Those that were frozen grew at the same rate of those that were

not frozen.• Improvements & advancements

– Freeze the seeds for a longer period of time.– Use different types of seeds; not necessarily vegetable.– Record the exact number of seeds that were planted for each

time & type of seed.

Thanks

"Comparison of Germination Rates for Frozen Seeds and Follow-Up." Experiments in      Sequoia Seed Germination IV. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2009.      <http://trees.martinsvillenj.com/sequoiaseeds4.htm>.

Greulach, Victor A. Plant Function and Structure. New York: Macmillan Publishing      Co. Inc, 1973. Print.

Harb, Rami J. "CALIFORNIA STATE SCIENCE FAIR." USC. N.p., 2 Apr. 2005. Web. 15      Oct. 2009. <http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2005/Projects/J1620.pdf>.

Miller, Kenneth R., and Joseph Levine. Biology. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey:      Pearson Education Inc., 2006. Print.

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to Gardening. London: The Reader's Digest      Association Limited, 1975. Print.

• Thank you everyone here today for listening and if you have any questions feel free to ask.