Question:

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Seeds of subtropical fruits like mango and subtropical fruits like citrus germinate immediately after extraction from the fruits under favourable conditions.
Statement II: However, the seeds extracted from temperate fruits like apple, paer and peach do not germinate immediately even the seed is viable and condition for germination are favourable.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below [Question ID = 536][Question Description = 156_30_HOR_AUG22_Q56]

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Temperate seeds = Dormancy (need cold).
Subtropical/Tropical seeds = No dormancy (need to be sown fresh).
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are true
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are false
  • Statement I is true but Statement II is false
  • Statement I is false but Statement II is true
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Seed germination behavior varies significantly between tropical/subtropical species and temperate species due to evolutionary adaptations to their respective environments. This is largely related to "seed dormancy."

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Statement I is true. Many subtropical and tropical fruit seeds, such as Mango and Citrus, are "recalcitrant" or lack innate dormancy. In their native warm environments, there is no winter season to survive; therefore, they have evolved to germinate as soon as they fall on moist soil. If these seeds are dried or stored for long, they quickly lose viability. They are "ready-to-grow" upon extraction.
Statement II is true. Temperate fruit seeds (Apple, Pear, Peach, etc.) have evolved "embryo dormancy." If these seeds germinated immediately in the fall (when they drop from the tree), the young seedlings would be killed by the upcoming freezing winter. To prevent this, the seeds require a period of cold exposure (stratification) to break internal chemical inhibitors. Thus, even under "favorable" greenhouse conditions, a fresh temperate seed will not sprout until it has experienced several hundred hours of cold. This ensures they only germinate in the spring when survival is guaranteed.
This fundamental difference is a key concept in nursery management. Subtropical seeds must be sown fresh, while temperate seeds must be cold-treated (stratified) before sowing.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Both statements correctly describe the physiological germination differences between these climatic groups of fruits.
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