A seed is considered a
ripened ovule that produces a plant. But some plants such as potato does not
have such an ovule so how is their production done? Considering this fact, let’s
devise a new definition that shall fit all kinds of plants. The new definition
states that seed is any part of a plant that is responsible for the
production of new plants. As in the case of potatoes, buds are seeds of the plant. A
seed acts for the germination of a plant as well as to disperse a new location.
Moreover, it produces dormancy in unfavorable circumstances despite the fact
that it has enough nutrients for survival.
A seed consists of three parts: seed
coat, embryo, and endosperm. The seed coat is the outermost layer of the seed that protects the seed. An embryo is a fertilized ovule that produces a new plant. A
healthy seed gives a healthy embryo. An endosperm supplies nutrients to the embryo
and it is enriched with starch and proteins.
Seeds can be categorized as small
and large in size. Small seeds have a size of fewer than 0.5 inches while large
seeds are hard and have greater size. Hard seeds are recommended to soak
overnight (or 24 hours) prior to sowing in the soil. These should be buried at
least 2 inches deep in the soil. On the other hand, small-sized seeds can be
sowed directly without soaking. They should be placed no deeper than 1 inch in the soil. However, these seeds can be pre-soaked if one desires.
A germination test shall be carried out before the plantation in order to determine the quality of the seed. It also shall help
in reducing resource loss. A test can be done by folding a few seeds in a
wet towel. After almost 3 or 4 days, count the number of seedlings producing
roots and shoots. 90% germination is considered a good rate.
Hybrid seeds have brought a
dramatic change in agriculture, especially in the vegetable sector for having all
required characteristics including improved germination rate, disease
resistance, and greater uniformity resulting in better yield.
Moreover, seeds also have great
importance in the
economy as these are used for direct human consumption through
oil extraction. Seeds are also used to feed livestock too.
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