CPS 402 — Seed Production Technology: Lecture Note

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This is the complete lecture note for CPS 402 Seed Production Technology. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.

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LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course code: CPS 402 Course title: Seed Production Technology Course credit load: 2 Units Series 1: Structure, Nature, and Functions of Seed Outline Part 1.1: Structure and nature of seed Sub-Part 1.1.1: Definition of seed as a living entity Sub-Part 1.1.2: External structure of seed (seed coat, hilum, micropyle) Sub-Part 1.1.3: Internal structure of seed (embryo, cotyledons, endosperm) Part 1.2: Functions of parts of seed Sub-Part 1.2.1: Protective role of seed coat Sub-Part 1.2.2: Nutrient storage in cotyledons and endosperm Sub-Part 1.2.3: Germination role of embryo Part 1.3: Seed as a living entity Sub-Part 1.3.1: Physiological processes in seeds (respiration, metabolism) Sub-Part 1.3.2: Evidence of life in seeds (viability, dormancy) Sub-Part 1.3.3: Importance of treating seeds as living organisms in production technology Introduction Seeds are the foundation of agriculture, yet they are often taken for granted. Every plant begins its life as a seed, and understanding the seed’s structure and functions is essential for anyone involved in seed production technology. A seed is not just a small object; it is a living entity with distinct parts that work together to protect, nourish, and eventually give rise to a new plant. This Series sets the stage for the rest of the course by helping you appreciate the seed as the starting point of crop production.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the structure, nature, and functions of seeds, and to equip you with the knowledge needed to recognise the seed as a living entity that plays a vital role in agriculture. We shall commence this Series by exploring the structure and nature of seeds, including both external and internal features. Next, we will move on to examine the functions of the different seed parts, such as the protective role of the seed coat and the nutrient storage in cotyledons. Finally, we will wrap up by considering the seed as a living entity, looking at its physiological processes, evidence of life, and why it must be treated as a living organism in seed production technology. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: SLO 1.1 define the seed as a living entity and explain its significance in agriculture, SLO 1.2 describe the external structure of seeds, including features such as the seed coat, hilum, and micropyle, SLO 1.3 identify the internal structures of seeds, including the embryo, cotyledons, and endosperm, SLO 1.4 explain the protective role of the seed coat in safeguarding the embryo, SLO 1.5 describe the function of cotyledons and endosperm in nutrient storage, SLO 1.6 explain the role of the embryo in germination and plant development, SLO 1.7 analyse the physiological processes that occur in seeds, such as respiration and metabolism, SLO 1.8 demonstrate how viability and dormancy provide evidence of life in seeds, and SLO 1.9 evaluate the importance of treating seeds as living organisms in seed production technology. 1.1 Structure and Nature of Seed 1.1.1 Definition of seed as a living entity A seed is a mature fertilised ovule that contains an embryo capable of developing into a new plant. It is considered a living entity, meaning it carries out physiological processes such as

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS respiration and metabolism, even while dormant. Seeds are therefore not inert objects but living organisms that require proper handling to maintain their viability. Fill in the blank: A seed is a mature fertilised __________ that contains an embryo. Figure 1.1 Structure of a seed as a living entity 1.1.2 External structure of seed (seed coat, hilum, micropyle) The seed coat is the outer covering that protects the embryo from mechanical injury and infection. The hilum is the scar on the seed surface where it was attached to the ovary wall, while the micropyle is a small pore that allows water to enter during germination. These external features are critical for seed survival and successful germination. Fill in the blank: The __________ is the scar on the seed surface where it was attached to the ovary wall.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Plate 1.1 External features of a seed 1.1.3 Internal structure of seed (embryo, cotyledons, endosperm) The embryo is the young plant in its earliest stage, consisting of the radicle (future root), plumule (future shoot), and cotyledons. Cotyledons are seed leaves that store food for the developing embryo, while the endosperm is a tissue that provides additional nutrients in some seeds. Together, these internal structures ensure that the seed has the resources needed to initiate growth. Fill in the blank: The __________ is the young plant in its earliest stage, consisting of the radicle, plumule, and cotyledons. Structure Function Embryo The young plant in its earliest stage; develops into roots, shoots, and leaves. Cotyledons Seed leaves that store and provide nutrients to the developing embryo. Endosperm Tissue that supplies starch, proteins, and oils to nourish the growing seedling. Table 1.1 Internal structures of a seed and their functions

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Pilot questions 1.1 Define a seed as a living entity. What is the function of the seed coat? Name the scar on the seed surface where it was attached to the ovary wall. State one role of cotyledons in seeds. Fill in the blank: The __________ is a small pore that allows water to enter during germination. 1.2 Functions of Parts of Seed 1.2.1 Protective role of seed coat The seed coat is the tough outer covering of the seed. Its primary function is to protect the delicate embryo inside from mechanical injury, pathogens, and unfavourable environmental conditions. By acting as a barrier, the seed coat ensures that the embryo remains intact until conditions are suitable for germination. Fill in the blank: The __________ is the tough outer covering that protects the embryo from injury and pathogens.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Figure 1.2 Protective role of seed coat 1.2.2 Nutrient storage in cotyledons and endosperm Cotyledons are seed leaves that store food reserves for the developing embryo. They provide essential nutrients during germination until the seedling can produce its own food through photosynthesis. The endosperm is another storage tissue found in many seeds, rich in starch, proteins, and oils, which supports early growth. Together, cotyledons and endosperm act as the seed’s pantry, ensuring the embryo has enough energy to begin life. Fill in the blank: The __________ are seed leaves that store food reserves for the developing embryo. Tissue Role in Nutrient Storage Cotyledons Store proteins, oils, and carbohydrates; supply nutrients to the developing embryo during germination. Endosperm Rich in starch, proteins, and oils; provides energy and nourishment for seedling growth until photosynthesis begins. Table 1.2 Nutrient storage tissues in seeds and their roles

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2.3 Germination role of embryo The embryo is the most vital part of the seed, as it develops into the new plant. It consists of the radicle, which forms the root, and the plumule, which forms the shoot. During germination, the embryo uses stored nutrients to grow and establish the seedling. Without a healthy embryo, a seed cannot give rise to a viable plant. Fill in the blank: The __________ is the part of the seed that develops into the new plant during germination. Plate 1.2 Germination role of embryo Pilot questions 1.2 What is the main function of the seed coat? Name one nutrient storage tissue in seeds. Which part of the seed develops into the root? State one role of cotyledons in seed germination.

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