Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Scarification is the process of altering seed covering either physically or chemically
Reason (R) : The main aim is to delay germination in non dormant seeds
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct.
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct.

Hint:

Scarification $\rightarrow$ Mechanical or chemical wearing down of a hard seed coat.
The objective is always to break dormancy and speed up germination, never to delay it.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Many plant species produce seeds with physical dormancy, caused by an impermeable, hard, or thick seed coat.
This seed coat prevents the entry of water (imbibition) and oxygen, which are required to trigger metabolic processes and initiate germination.
To overcome this hard-seededness in horticulture and agriculture, pre-sowing seed treatments are applied to break dormancy and ensure rapid and uniform seed germination.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Assertion (A) is correct:
Scarification is defined as any physical or chemical process that breaks, scratches, softens, or alters the seed coat to make it permeable to water and gases.
Physical or mechanical scarification involves using abrasive materials like sandpaper, files, or mechanical scarifiers to scratch the seed coat without damaging the internal embryo.
Chemical scarification involves soaking seeds in concentrated acids (like sulfuric acid, \(\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\)) or organic solvents to partially digest and weaken the tough outer seed covering.
Reason (R) is incorrect:
The primary objective of scarification is not to delay germination.
On the contrary, its goal is to accelerate, facilitate, and synchronize germination in dormant, hard-coated seeds.
Non-dormant seeds do not require scarification, as their seed coats are already permeable.
Applying scarification to non-dormant seeds would damage the embryo and reduce seed viability.
Therefore, while the definition of scarification in Assertion (A) is correct, the stated objective in Reason (R) is incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the correct option is (C): Assertion (A) is correct but Reason (R) is not correct.