Sexual (Seed) Plant Propagation Notes

Question 1

Pros of using seeds to produce new plants

Answer 1

low cost
convenient cheap storage
can eliminate virus
segregate in the population
plant breeding/crop improvement

Question 2

Cons of using seeds to produce new plants

Answer 2

time to maturity
traits segregate in the population
crop uniformity

Question 3

Lists of seed quality

*think of seed packets

Answer 3

% germination
rate of germination
rate of seedling growth
amount of contamination in seed

Question 4

Necessities for proper seed storage

Answer 4

dry
cool
dark
minimal aeration

Question 5

What is required to germinate a seed

Answer 5

water, consistent and moderate amount
warm temperatures
light source (sometimes required)
oxygen, for respiration
protection from pathogens

Question 6

Prevention of seeds from pathogens

Answer 6

clean medium
pasteurization
soil fumegation
sanitation

Question 7

Seeding types

Answer 7

direct - seed placement where plant will grow to harvest

indirect - seedlings for transplant, ‘plugs’

Question 8

Indirect seeding characteristics (pros/cons)

Answer 8

higher cost 
requires less space
high environment control
any seed size
total control over growing medium
potentially can grow plants faster

Question 9

Direct seeding characteristics (pros/cons)

Answer 9

lower cost 
lots of needed growing space
lower environment control 
need larger seed size
medium, soil prep is critical
can potentially grow plants slower