Seed Germination, Dormancy and Storage

Fatima P. Lucido Crop Science I C-3L March 9, 2011

A scientific paper submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements in Crop Science I under Prof. Roberta Garcia 2nd semester 2010-2011

Abstract This experiment aims to discuss basic principles and treatments in determining the seed quality attributes including seed viability, dormancy, and moisture content. This experiment deals with different demonstrations of seed germination, dormancy and storage. With three different activities, monocot and dicot seeds were tested with respect to diverse treatments. And as the results of the experiment show, germination, dormancy and storage condition of seeds varied along with different factors that affected it.

Introduction Seed is considered as the propagation unit of crop production. In botanical terms, seed is a mature fertilized ovule that is composed of an embryonic plant, stored food material and a protective coat. Moreover, it is also used in genetic conservation of most crops. Also it is used in several ways such that of being a source of food; spice, beverage, oil, vitamins and drugs. Being a basic crop production input, it is required for a seed to maintain its quality at the highest possible level to have a successful and sustainable crop production and endeavour. The qualities of a good seed include high viability, vigor, physical and genetic purity; appropriate moisture content ad absence of pests and diseases. Germination, dormancy and storage are three things which are important in sustaining the seed quality. Germination is the emergence or the development of the seed from its embryo of those essential plants which are indicative of the normal plant growth. There are two types of seed

germination, Epigeal germination in which the reserved tissue is raised above the ground where it continues to provide nutritive support to growing points, and Hypogeal germination in which the reserved tissue or comparable storage organs remain beneath the soil. Dormancy on the other hand is a physical or physiological condition of a viable seed that prevents germination even in the presence of otherwise favourable germination conditions such as proper temperature, adequate water and aeration. Lastly, seed storage is a precaution which is responsible to preserve the physiological and genetic quality of seeds or to minimize seed deterioration. Objectives At the end of the exercise, and the student should be able to: 1. Discuss some basic seed quality attributes including seed viability, dormancy, and moisture content. 2. Demonstrate some tests for seed viability. 3. Conduct some special treatments for breaking dormancy. 4. Explain the basic principles of seed storage. Time and Place of Study Agronomy Building February 23-March 2, 2011, 7:00 to 10:00 am Materials and Methods

The following demonstration set-ups were prepared prior to the schedule of the exercise. Demo 1 is consists of different tests for seed viability. Demo 2 is storage of small quantities of seeds, and Demo 3 for seed moisture content and determination.

Activity 1 Germination pattern of a dicot and monocot seed Dicot and monocot seeds, soybean and corn respectively, which exhibit epigeal and hypogeal germination were chosen. 50 seeds were germinated in moist filter paper inside a container. The germination pattern was observed for a week. For each day, five seedlings were obtained and were measured with their shoot and root lengths in centimetres. Activity 2 Breaking dormancy of Leucaena leucocephala (ipil-ipil) seeds The given seedlots were divided into four equal parts. 30-50 seeds were used per treatment and were replicated two times. The following treatments were made: a. Rubbing on sandpaper b. Clipping or removal of seed coat with the use of nail cutter
c. Soaking in hot water (50 for 10 minutes C)

d. Untreated or controlled For each treatment, germination test was conducted using the rolled filter paper technique. The germinated samples were placed inside the polyethylene bags in order to conserve moisture. The normal seedlings were counted by the following week and the percentage germination was obtained using the formula: % germination = (

Activity 3 Storage of orthodox and recalcitrant seeds Effect of initial moisture content on the storability of rice seeds There were two rice seedlots that were obtained in the activity. Harvested at the same time, one seedlot was treated to moisture content of 18-20% and another dried to moisture content of 14% or below. The 25 seeds that were sown were observed. The first count of germinated seeds was made after three days, and the final count after seven days. The percentage germination was also obtained in this activity. Storability of recalcitrant seeds The seeds were divided into two equal parts. They were extracted and cleaned. The first treatment was consisting of freshly extracted seeds. The

other one was dried and was stored for one week. The germinated seeds were counted for one week and the percentage germination was also obtained. Results and Discussion The results show that with different treatments on seed germination, dormancy and storage, there were various factors that affect the development and growth of seeds. In such cases with different factors and condition present on each treatment that was made, not all seeds that were sown were germinable.

Conclusion Seed is really significant in crop production aside from the fact that it is considered as the propagation unit of crop production. It is important in one way or the other that one knows how to handle seeds in terms of its germination, dormancy and storage. Knowledge about these things is very significant in the developing seeds. And factors present in the surroundings on germinating seeds just like in the experiment must be considered to avoid damages and prevent spoilage and inhibition of seed growth.