Question:
A seed technologist placed a set of 100 seeds for a germination test. After 8 days, she found that 70 seeds germinated and 30 seeds did not. The most probable reasons for the no germination of these 30 seeds are -
(A) The seeds were not viable at all
(B) The seed coat was impermeable
(C) The seed coat was permeable but the seeds were dead
(D) The seeds were viable but the conditions for the germination were not favorable
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
A seed technologist placed a set of 100 seeds for a germination test. After 8 days, she found that 70 seeds germinated and 30 seeds did not. The most probable reasons for the no germination of these 30 seeds are -
(A) The seeds were not viable at all
(B) The seed coat was impermeable
(C) The seed coat was permeable but the seeds were dead
(D) The seeds were viable but the conditions for the germination were not favorable
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
(A) The seeds were not viable at all
(B) The seed coat was impermeable
(C) The seed coat was permeable but the seeds were dead
(D) The seeds were viable but the conditions for the germination were not favorable
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
Show Hint
Remember that a standard laboratory seed germination test is defined by maintaining 100% optimal/favorable conditions. Therefore, you can immediately eliminate "unfavorable conditions" (D) as a valid reason for failure within the test, which quickly guides you to the correct option.
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
- (A), (B) and (C) only.
- (A), (B) and (D) only.
- (A), (C) and (D) only.
- (B), (C) and (D) only.
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A standard laboratory germination test is designed to evaluate the maximum germination potential of a seed lot.
The test is conducted under strictly controlled, standardized conditions of temperature, moisture, substrate, and light that are highly optimal/favorable for the species being tested.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each potential reason for the failure of the 30 seeds to germinate in the laboratory test:
- (A) The seeds were not viable at all: This is a highly probable reason.
If a seed lacks a living embryo or has lost its physiological viability due to age or damage, it cannot germinate under any conditions.
- (B) The seed coat was impermeable: This is a highly probable reason.
This represents physical seed dormancy (hard seed coat).
Even if the seed is highly viable and the test environment is perfect, an impermeable seed coat prevents water absorption (imbibition) and gas exchange, preventing germination unless the seed coat is scarified.
- (C) The seed coat was permeable but the seeds were dead: This is a highly probable reason.
If the seed coat allows water to enter, but the embryo is dead, the seed will imbibe water and swell, but will ultimately rot and fail to germinate.
- (D) The seeds were viable but the conditions for the germination were not favorable: This is not a valid reason *within* a standard laboratory germination test.
Because the testing environment is strictly managed by the seed technologist to guarantee 100% favorable and optimal conditions for that specific crop species, unfavorable conditions cannot be blamed for the failure of these 30 seeds.
Therefore, only reasons (A), (B), and (C) are technically correct.
This corresponds to Option (A).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The most probable reasons for non-germination are (A), (B) and (C) only.
A standard laboratory germination test is designed to evaluate the maximum germination potential of a seed lot.
The test is conducted under strictly controlled, standardized conditions of temperature, moisture, substrate, and light that are highly optimal/favorable for the species being tested.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each potential reason for the failure of the 30 seeds to germinate in the laboratory test:
- (A) The seeds were not viable at all: This is a highly probable reason.
If a seed lacks a living embryo or has lost its physiological viability due to age or damage, it cannot germinate under any conditions.
- (B) The seed coat was impermeable: This is a highly probable reason.
This represents physical seed dormancy (hard seed coat).
Even if the seed is highly viable and the test environment is perfect, an impermeable seed coat prevents water absorption (imbibition) and gas exchange, preventing germination unless the seed coat is scarified.
- (C) The seed coat was permeable but the seeds were dead: This is a highly probable reason.
If the seed coat allows water to enter, but the embryo is dead, the seed will imbibe water and swell, but will ultimately rot and fail to germinate.
- (D) The seeds were viable but the conditions for the germination were not favorable: This is not a valid reason *within* a standard laboratory germination test.
Because the testing environment is strictly managed by the seed technologist to guarantee 100% favorable and optimal conditions for that specific crop species, unfavorable conditions cannot be blamed for the failure of these 30 seeds.
Therefore, only reasons (A), (B), and (C) are technically correct.
This corresponds to Option (A).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The most probable reasons for non-germination are (A), (B) and (C) only.
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