Seeds, Dormancy, and Viability for SS 1

Question 1

Which of the following best defines a seed?

Accepted Answer

A seed is a fertilized, mature ovule of a flowering plant containing an embryo, stored food material, and a protective coat, capable of germinating under favorable conditions.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a grain, as opposed to a seed?

Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of a grain is for consumption as food or animal feed.

Question 3

A key difference between a seed and a grain is that a grain's seed coat is:

Accepted Answer

A grain's seed coat is fused with the fruit wall (pericarp).

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a monocotyledonous seed?

Accepted Answer

Maize is an example of a monocotyledonous seed.

Question 5

Dicotyledonous seeds typically store their food reserves in which part?

Accepted Answer

Dicotyledonous seeds typically store their food reserves directly within the two large cotyledons.

Question 6

What is seed dormancy?

Accepted Answer

Seed dormancy is a temporary state where a viable seed fails to germinate even under favorable environmental conditions.

Question 7

Which type of dormancy occurs when the seed coat is impermeable to water and oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Physical dormancy (Seed Coat Dormancy) occurs when the seed coat is impermeable to water and oxygen.

Question 8

Tomato seeds exhibit which type of dormancy due to the presence of germination inhibitors?

Accepted Answer

Tomato seeds exhibit chemical dormancy due to the presence of germination inhibitors.

Question 9

What is required for seeds with physiological dormancy to germinate?

Accepted Answer

Seeds with physiological dormancy require a period of after-ripening or exposure to specific environmental conditions, such as cold temperatures, to allow the embryo to mature fully.

Question 10

What does 'seed viability' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Seed viability is the capacity of a seed to remain alive, healthy, and capable of germinating under favorable environmental conditions.

Question 11

Why is conducting a seed viability test important for farmers?

Accepted Answer

It helps farmers determine seed quality, calculate seed rate, prevent economic loss, and plan replanting activities.

Question 12

Which material is NOT typically required for a simple seed germination test?

Accepted Answer

Fertilizer is NOT typically required for a simple seed germination test.

Question 13

When conducting a seed viability test, how many seeds are typically counted to simplify germination percentage calculation?

Accepted Answer

Exactly 100 seeds are typically counted to simplify germination percentage calculation.

Question 14

What is the first visible sign that a seed has germinated during a viability test?

Accepted Answer

The emergence of the radicle (young root) is the first visible sign that a seed has germinated.

Question 15

A farmer tests 100 seeds, and 75 germinate. What is the germination percentage?

Accepted Answer

The germination percentage is 75%.

Question 16

According to the lesson, what is the interpretation of a seed lot with 85% germination?

Accepted Answer

A seed lot with 85% germination has excellent viability and is highly recommended for planting.

Question 17

If a seed lot has a germination percentage of 60%, what action is recommended?

Accepted Answer

If a seed lot has a germination percentage of 60%, it has moderate viability, and the seed rate should be increased to ensure a good crop stand.

Question 18

Observe the image:  Which seed structure is characteristic of the dicotyledonous seed shown?

Accepted Answer

The dicotyledonous seed (bean) shown has two large cotyledons.

Question 19

Observe the image:  What is the purpose of covering the petri dish in this seed viability test setup?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of covering the petri dish is to retain moisture.

Question 20

What is the formula for calculating Germination Percentage?

Accepted Answer

The formula is: $$	ext{Germination Percentage (\%)} = \left( \frac{	ext{Number of Germinated Seeds}}{	ext{Total Number of Seeds Planted}} ight) 	imes 100$$

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