seed germination

Cause: Seed dormancy prevents germination under unfavorable conditions through physical seed coat barriers, chemical inhibitors (abscisic acid), or morphological underdevelopment

Solution: Implement cold stratification (4-6 weeks at 4°C) for temperate species

Prevention: Use scarification (scratching) for hard coats, stratification (cold/moist) for temperate seeds, or leaching (water soaking) to remove inhibitors

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Cause: Three-phase germination process: Phase 1 (Imbibition) - rapid water uptake swelling the seed; Phase 2 (Activation) - metabolic enzymes break down starch reserves; Phase 3 (Radicle Emergence) - embryonic root breaks through seed coat

Solution: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Prevention: Maintain consistent moisture (not saturation), provide appropriate temperature (18-24°C for most species), ensure adequate oxygen

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Cause: Gibberellin (GA) hormones act as the primary germination 'on-switch' by counteracting dormancy hormone abscisic acid (ABA). The GA-to-ABA ratio increase triggers the expression of amylase enzymes that break down starch reserves into simple sugars for energy

Solution: Use fresh, viable seeds with high germination rates

Prevention: Maintain proper temperature (warmth increases GA activity), ensure seeds are mature and viable

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