to study about the external structure of seed:- A seed is a

mature, fertilized ovule containing an embryonic plant, stored

food, and a protective outer layer called the seed coat. It’s
essentially a plant’s way of reproducing, and when planted in
suitable conditions, it can develop into a new plant. Studying the
**external structure of a seed** involves observing its visible parts
and understanding their functions. Here’s a breakdown of the key
external features of a typical seed (using a dicot seed like a bean
as an example):Seed Coat (Testa):- *Outer protective layer** of
the seed. Functions**:Protects the embryo from mechanical
damage, pathogens, and dehydration. May have a hard or
smooth texturs. Some seeds have a **double-layered seed coat**
(testa and tegmen). Hilum:- A **scar** on the seed coat where the
seed was attached to the **ovary wall (funicle). Often appears as
a **darkened spot** (e.g., visible on beans). Micropyle:- A **tiny
pore** near the [Link]: Allows water to enter during
**imbibition** (seed germination. In some seeds, it was the entry
point for the pollen tube during fertilization. Raphe (in some
seeds):- A ridge-like structure formed by the fusion of the funicle
with the seed coat. Seen in seeds where the ovule was
**inverted** during development. Seed Shape & Size:- Seeds
vary in shape (round, oval, flattened) and size (tiny like orchid
seeds or large like coconuts). Some seeds have **wings or
hairs** for wind dispersal (e.g., maple seeds).Comparison:
Monocot vs. Dicot Seeds:- Seed Coat:- Thick, separable |
Fused with fruit wall (pericarp). Hilum:- Clearly visible | Not
distinct. Micropyle:- Present | Present but less visible.
Endosperm:- Absent (stored in cotyledons) | Present (nutritive
tissue). Other Features:- Two cotyledons | Single cotyledon
(scutellum). Practical Study Tips:- Observe a soaked bean
seed**: Remove the seed coat to see the hilum and micropyle.
Compare different seeds**: Pea, maize, sunflower, etc., to see
structural [Link] a magnifying lens to identify small
features like the micropyle.
To study about the internal structure of a seed:- A seed is a
mature, fertilized ovule containing an embryonic plant, stored
food, and a protective outer layer called the seed coat. It’s
essentially a plant’s way of reproducing, and when planted in
suitable conditions, it can develop into a new plant. Studying the
**internal structure of a seed** helps us understand how seeds
store nutrients and how the embryo develops into a new plant.
Let’s break it down using a **dicot seed (e.g., bean)** and a
**monocot seed (e.g., corn)** for comparison. Main Internal
Parts of a Seed:- Embryo (Young Plant):- The embryo is the
**baby plant** inside the seed, consisting of: Cotyledons (Seed
Leaves):- Dicots (e.g., beans) → **Two cotyledons** (store food).
Monocots (e.g., corn) → One cotyledon(called **scutellum**).
Epicotyl (Shoot Tip):- Grows into the **stem and leaves. In some
seeds, protected by a **coleoptile** (monocots). Hypocotyl
(Stem-like Region):- Connects cotyledons to the radicle.
Becomes the **lower stem. Radicle (Embryonic Root):- First
part to emerge during germination. Develops into the **primary
root. In monocots, protected by a **coleorhiza. Endosperm
(Nutritive Tissue – in some seeds): Food storage tissue** (rich
in starch, proteins, oils). Present in monocots** (e.g., corn) but
**absent in many dicots** (food stored in cotyledons). Perisperm
(Rare, in some seeds like coffee): Remnant of **nucellus** (part
of the ovule) that stores nutrients. Observation:- Soak seeds**
(beans, peas, corn) overnight to [Link] the seed coat**
(testa) carefully. Split the seed** to observe:Dicot (Bean): Two
cotyledons, tiny embryo between them. Monocot (Corn): Large
endosperm, small embryo on one side. Use a magnifying
glass** or microscope to see finer details.
#To study or identify plus tree in ggv campus:- A plus tree is a
tree selected for its superior characteristics compared to other
trees in a stand, and is used in tree breeding programs to improve
forest resources. It is a mature tree that exhibits exceptional
qualities like faster growth, good form, high wood quality, or
disease resistance, and is considered a valuable source for
genetic [Link]:-Measuring tape** (for
girth at breast height – **1.37m from ground. Notebook** (record
location, GPS coordinates, observations). Process :-Peliminary
Research:- Consult **college authorities, botany departments, or
forest officials** for records of marked Plus Trees. Check if the
campus has a **tree inventory** or **heritage tree list. Field
Identification:-Visual Observation (Morphological Traits):-
Height & Girth:** Compare with other trees of the same species
(Plus Trees are usually **larger & thicker. Crown Shape:** Well-
developed, symmetrical canopy. Health:** No signs of disease,
pests, or damage. Flowering/Fruiting:** Higher than average
yield. Use a Tree Identification Guide:- Take photos of leaves,
bark, flowers, and [Link] apps like **iNaturalist, PlantNet, or
Google Lens** for species ID. Match with known Plus Tree
species (e.g., **Neem, Teak, Tamarind, Mango. Observation:-
Neem (Azadirachta indica)** | Pest-resistant, medicinal value.
Teak (Tectona grandis)** | High-quality timber, fast growth.
Mango (Mangifera indica)** | Superior fruit yield & taste.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)** | Drought-resistant, high pod
[Link] (Santalum album)** | High oil content,
valuable Wood.
To study types of seed and collection of forest seeds:-Forest
seeds vary widely in structure, dispersal mechanisms, and
storage requirements. Proper **identification, collection, and
handling** are crucial for afforestation, research, and
conservation. Below is a detailed guide: Types of Forest Seeds:-
Orthodox Seeds:- - Can be dried and stored for long periods
(e.g., **Teak, Neem, Acacia**).Suitable for **seed banks.
Recalcitrant Seeds:- Cannot tolerate drying; must be sown
immediately (e.g.,Mango, Jackfruit. Short-lived, need high
moisture. Intermediate Seeds:- Partial tolerance to drying (e.g.,
**Coffee, Cocoa. Collection Methods:- Ground Collection:-
Pick fallen seeds | Teak, Sal. Climbing/Cutting:- Use
poles/sickles for high branches | Mango, Tamarind. Shaking
Branches:- Shake to drop seeds | Neem, Acacia:- Pruning
Hooks:- Cut fruit bunches | Jamun, Ficus. Procedure:-Forest
seed collection involves several steps, starting with identifying
and selecting suitable trees, then collecting seeds either from the
ground, from felled trees, or directly from standing trees using
various techniques. After collection, seeds are processed,
cleaned, and potentially pretreated before storage or planting.
Pre-Collection Planning:- Select Plus Trees** (superior genetic
quality). Identify Maturity Signs**:*Dry fruits** (pods, capsules)
→ Brown & splitting.*Fleshy fruits** (berries, drupes) → Color
change (e.g., green to red/yellow).

To study seed dormancy and seed treatment of forest trees :-

Seed dormancy is a state where seeds, despite being exposed to
favorable environmental conditions for germination (like water,
oxygen, and suitable temperature), fail to sprout. Methods to
Resolve Dormancy: Mechanical Scarification: This can be
done by filing, chipping, or sand papering the seed coat. Hot
Water Scarification: Soaking seeds in hot water (e.g., for 24
hours after an initial dip in boiling water) can soften the seed coat
and leach out inhibitors. Acid Scarification: Using concentrated
sulfuric acid can dissolve the seed coat, but requires careful
handling and rinsing. Cold Stratification: Seeds are mixed with
moist media like peat moss or vermiculite and refrigerated for a
period of time (e.g., 6 weeks). Warm Stratification: Seeds are
kept in a warm, moist environment (e.g., 20-25°C) to soften the
seed coat and promote germination. Procedure:- To break seed
dormancy, several methods can be employed, including
scarification, stratification, and chemical treatments. Scarification
involves physically weakening or altering the seed coat, while
stratification simulates natural overwintering by exposing seeds to
controlled temperature fluctuations. Chemical treatments, such as
applying gibberellic acid, can also promote germination.

To study seed extraction, processing and handling methods:-

Seed extraction is the process of separating seeds from the fruits
or pods they are contained in. It’s a crucial step in seed
processing for various purposes, including planting, breeding, and
food production. The methods used vary depending on the type of
fruit or pod and the desired outcome. Seed Extraction Methods:-
Dry Seed Extraction:- Natural Sun Drying:- Spread fruits (e.g.,
Acacia, Albizia pods) in thin layers under sunlight. Pods split
open, releasing [Link] Threshing:- Use a
**thresher** or beat fruits with sticks to extract [Link] Drying
(For Cones):- Cones (e.g., Pine, Spruce) are dried in a kiln (45-
55°C) until scales open. Seed Processing Techniques:-
Cleaning Methods:-Winnowing:- Light seeds | Teak, Neem.
Sieving:- Small to medium seeds | Acacia, Eucalyptus.
Flotation:- Heavy, viable seeds | Tamarind, Terminalia. Hand
Picking:- Large seeds | Mahogany, Mango. Drying Seeds:- Air
Drying → Spread seeds in shade for **2-3 days. Silica Gel Drying
→ For moisture-sensitive seeds (e.g., Dipterocarps).Seed
Grading & Sorting:- Size/Weight Grading** → Use mesh
screens. *Density Separation** → Floatation in salt solution. *X-
ray Testing** → Checks embryo damage (research use). Seed
Handling:- Packaging Materials:- *Polythene bags** (for short-
term storage). *Aluminum foil pouches** (for moisture control).
*Vacuum-sealed bags** (for long-term conservation).