Seed

A seed is a structure which develops from the ovule after fertilization. A seed is generally made up of an embryo and one or two cotyledons. The embryo is made up of a radical or future root system and plumule (the future shoot system). A seed is therefore said to be a potential young plant awaiting germination.

The life cycle of the plant contains a number of identifiable stages, each with a distinct significance to horticulture. The seed is the means by which a new generation often of variable plants begins, the sensitive seedling are vulnerable to disease, physiological disorder and pest attack, as well as being highly responsive to good growing conditions, the vegetative stage may be manipulated to required size and shape or used for propagation, the flowering stage is often the desired objective, while the formation of the fruit may be an important horticultural target, whether in succulent form or as the precursor of seeds. The seeds resulting from sexual reproduction create a new generation of plant which bears of both parents.

A seed in order to survive, must contain a small immature plant (embryo) protected by seed coat or testa, which formed from the outer layers of the ovule after fertilization. The embryo consists of a radical which develop into the primary root of the seedling and a plumule which develops into the shoot system. A single seed leaf (cotyledon) will be found in monocotyledon while two are present as part of the embryo of dicotyledons. The cotyledons may occupy large part of the seed to art as food that is stored for the embryo. 

Seed