Which input is generally not required for seed germination?

Which input is generally not required for seed germination?

• A. Water
• B. Oxygen
• C. Fertilizer
• D. Light

Answer: (C)

Seed germination starts when water activates the seed’s enzymes and oxygen is available for respiration; the seed uses its own stored nutrients to fuel the early growth until the seedling can photosynthesize. External nutrients from fertilizer aren’t needed during this initial stage, since nutrients become important after the seedling starts to grow in soil. In fact, applying fertilizer too early can harm germination by creating osmotic stress or salt buildup around the seed. Light isn’t strictly required for germination in many species, though it can affect some seeds after they begin to grow. So the input not generally required for germination is fertilizer.

Seed germination starts when water activates the seed’s enzymes and oxygen is available for respiration; the seed uses its own stored nutrients to fuel the early growth until the seedling can photosynthesize. External nutrients from fertilizer aren’t needed during this initial stage, since nutrients become important after the seedling starts to grow in soil. In fact, applying fertilizer too early can harm germination by creating osmotic stress or salt buildup around the seed. Light isn’t strictly required for germination in many species, though it can affect some seeds after they begin to grow. So the input not generally required for germination is fertilizer.