Conditions necessary for seed germination

For a seed to germinate, it requires certain conditions. These conditions include the following:

Water
Germination occurs when a seed is supplied with water. A seed absorbs water through the micropyle. Water plays an important role during seed germination. When a seed absorbs water, the embryo cells enlarge due to pressure. Such action leads to the rapture of the seed coat. Water softens the seed coat, hence increases seed permeability. Water also activates enzymes necessary for seed germination and growth.

Oxygen gas
Oxygen gas is necessary for aerobic respiration to generate energy that is required for the growth of the embryo of a seed.

Temperature
Seeds need the optimum temperature to germinate. The seed of each plant species has its optimum temperature for germination. Temperature is essential for the activation of enzymatic reaction during respiration. Respiration is important as it provides the energy required for germination.

Enzymes and hormones
The viability of seeds also depends on the presence of the relevant enzymes and hormones in the required amounts. These help to break seed dormancy and catalyze all the metabolic activities associated with the process of germination.