Seed Germination and Dormancy

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Questions and Answers

What is the most critical reason to wear safety equipment when treating seeds with acid?

To maintain optimal temperature for seeds

To ensure proper rinsing of seeds

To enhance the germination of seeds

To prevent injury from harmful chemicals (correct)

Which step is necessary for preparing gibberellic acid before use?

Prepare it one hour before application

Stir it constantly during dissolution (correct)

Store it at a warm temperature

Dilute it immediately with water

What is a primary benefit of using mulch during seed germination?

It promotes soil compaction

It adds nutrients to the soil

It reflects excess heat from the sun (correct)

It encourages seed dispersal

What is the first step to take when removing seeds from an acid treatment?

Slowly pour the seed-acid solution into cool water Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding environmental factors affecting germination is correct?

Light exposure can impact the germination process Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action when using frozen wells to hold seeds treated with gibberellic acid?

Fold coffee filters to create protective cups for seeds Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of using a break in the texture of the potting medium under mulch?

To achieve a moist, but not saturated, environment Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to constantly stir the seeds while in the acid bath?

To ensure even exposure to the acid Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for choosing vegetative propagation over seed propagation?

It allows for a uniform stock type to be achieved more quickly. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration when selecting cuttings from mother plants?

The time of year for planting seeds Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cutting involves using pieces of the parent plant that have matured for one growing season?

Hardwood cuttings Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if cuttings were treated with rooting hormones?

Wear gloves when handling the cuttings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices can lead to poor propagation results?

Lifting cuttings too quickly after striking Signup and view all the answers

What environmental condition is essential for direct struck cuttings to root successfully?

Moisture levels in the rooting medium should be maintained Signup and view all the answers

Which method of vegetative propagation typically requires specialized structures?

Species requiring specific climate conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is a common disadvantage of vegetative propagation compared to seed propagation?

It often has reduced genetic diversity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

SEED GERMINATION AND SOWING OPTIONS

Seed dormancy is an adaptation ensuring germination only under favorable conditions for survival. This variability is advantageous, as it ensures germination at different times, exposing some to favorable conditions for survival.
Horticultural practices can discourage or encourage dormancy.
Plant species experience different types of dormancy (internal and/or external).
Internal dormancy can be physiological, morphological, or both.
Physiological dormancy is overcome by environmental conditions like cold and moisture.
Morphological dormancy is overcome when the embryo fully matures through a period of after-ripening.
Nondormant seeds germinate immediately after maturation and dispersal.
Dormant seeds may take months or even years to germinate.
Dormancy can be influenced by internal or external factors, sometimes both (double dormancy).

TYPES OF SEED DORMANCY

Nondormant seeds germinate immediately after dispersal.
Dormant seeds will not germinate, even under ideal conditions, and may take months or years before germinating.

TREATMENTS TO OVERCOME DORMANCY AND ENHANCE GERMINATION

Various treatments (e.g., temperature, water, smoke) are employed to break dormancy.
These treatments vary by species, reflecting species-specific needs and environmental responses
Treatments for species with hard seed coats (e.g., sulfuric acid).
Heat treatments (e.g., dry/wet).
Gibberellic acid, ethylene, and even smoke are used to enhance germination in many plant species.

GERMINATION STIMULATORS

Gibberellic acid, a plant hormone, is often used to regulate internal dormancy.
Ethylene gas can be used to stimulate germination in certain species.
Smoke treatments, common in ecosystems, are used.
Chemical treatments are used to break dormancy in species with thick seed coats.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING GERMINATION

Light, water, oxygen, and temperature are crucial factors for germination.
Species-specific requirements exist.
Specific germination requirements (e.g., temperature ranges, oxygen availability, humidity) should be considered.
Mulch is used to create optimal conditions.

VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION

Many species reproduce vegetatively.
Vegetative propagation involves propagating species without seeds.
Several methods exist for vegetative propagation (e.g., cuttings, tubers, rhizomes).
Several factors influence choice of propagation method (i.e plant species, desired characteristics)

CUTTING STRIKING

Cuttings are parts of plants used for vegetative propagation,
Types of cuttings (e.g., shoot, stem, root).
Considerations using cuttings: seasonal timing, plant characteristics (species-specific needs).
Factors influencing success: environmental conditions, correct handling.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of seed germination and dormancy. It covers types of dormancy, factors affecting germination, and horticultural practices that influence these processes. Test your knowledge of how seed dormancy ensures survival and the different mechanisms involved.