What happens when a seed germinates?
• Unless it is still moist (B 12), it first takes in a lot of water, and becomes larger; • Then the cells in the growing points (C 10–12 in Manual 3) of its embryo (B 10) become very active, using chemical energy released by the breakdown of stored substances; • The root starts to elongate, and breaks through the seed coat; • The shoot enlarges, and emerges through the covering material; and • Seed leaves and foliage leaves expand, and the seedling begins to produce its own sugars (D 10 in Manual 4). Is germination one of the critical stages in the life of a tree? Yes, it is (C 40 in Manual 3), since it involves: • going from a resting stage to one of very active growth; • the delicate seedling root emerging from the seed and becoming established in the soil; • the young shoot growing above ground and expanding green foliage; and • the germinating seedling not succumbing to various common diseases or pests, and not being eaten. Under natural conditions, there are so many hazards that m
