Define stratification and scarification and give an example of a seed type that requires each for germination.

Define stratification and scarification and give an example of a seed type that requires each for germination.

• A. Stratification is a cold treatment to break dormancy; scarification is mechanical or chemical abrasion of the seed coat; temperate tree seeds require stratification; nasturtium seeds require scarification
• B. Stratification is heat treatment; scarification is soaking seeds; maize requires stratification
• C. Stratification is exposure to light to germinate; scarification is darkness; beans require stratification
• D. Stratification is chemical soaking; scarification is drying; pine requires scarification

Answer: (A)

Stratification and scarification are two ways gardeners trigger germination in seeds that are dormant for different reasons. Stratification is a cold, moist treatment that mimics winter and releases seeds from physiological dormancy found in many temperate-climate species; after this chilling period, the seed is able to germinate when growing conditions improve. Temperate tree seeds are a typical example that require this cold period to sprout. Scarification weakens or breaks the seed coat so water and gases can reach the embryo; it can be done mechanically (scratching, filing, nicking) or chemically (acid scarification). Nasturtium seeds are a common example that benefit from scarification due to their relatively hard coats. This combination of definitions and examples matches how these dormancy-breaking methods work in practice. Other options mix up the processes or give seeds that don’t typically need the described treatment.

Stratification and scarification are two ways gardeners trigger germination in seeds that are dormant for different reasons. Stratification is a cold, moist treatment that mimics winter and releases seeds from physiological dormancy found in many temperate-climate species; after this chilling period, the seed is able to germinate when growing conditions improve. Temperate tree seeds are a typical example that require this cold period to sprout. Scarification weakens or breaks the seed coat so water and gases can reach the embryo; it can be done mechanically (scratching, filing, nicking) or chemically (acid scarification). Nasturtium seeds are a common example that benefit from scarification due to their relatively hard coats. This combination of definitions and examples matches how these dormancy-breaking methods work in practice. Other options mix up the processes or give seeds that don’t typically need the described treatment.