Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Seed germination is the process by which a fully developed plant embryo within the seed resumes active growth, breaking through the seed coat.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
For seed germination to successfully initiate, three basic factors must be satisfied:
1. Viability of seed (A): The seed embryo must be alive, intact, and metabolically capable of restarting growth.
2. Proper environment (B): Essential external requirements must be met, specifically adequate moisture (for hydration and enzyme activation), oxygen (for respiration), and a suitable temperature range.
3. Seed free from dormancy (C): A viable seed supplied with proper environmental factors will still fail to germinate if it remains in a dormant state (whether physical, physiological, or morphological).
- Thin seed coat (D) is not universally essential, as many seeds with thick, woody seed coats germinate successfully in nature after normal weathering or scarification.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, only parameters (A), (B), and (C) are essential requirements for germination.