Factors That Influence Seedling Growth

Conor O’Donnell

15122301

Seedlings – structure and factors influencing growth

Introduction:

Seedlings is a young plant sporophyte developing out of a plant embryo from a seed. These are ideal for examining and especially examining the root system. In the experiment the seed structure is the main focus and what factors affect/influence seedling growth and timber strength in the long term.

Background:

Germination is the start of the seedling development in the seed. In order for germination to happen the plants needs sunlight, heat and moisture. There is three main parts in the seed:

1. Radicle (embryonic root)

2. Hypocotyl (embryonic shoot)

3. Cotyledon (seed leaves)

The radicle is the first part of the seed In the process of germination to emerge from the seedling. The radicle is the embryotic root and because so grows downwards into the soil. The

Examine seedlings in depth focusing on the roots. Structure and function are the two aspects to look at here.

2. To get a section view of the seedling by dissecting it and examine it thoroughly though a microscope.

Equipment:

Seedlings, scalpel, plate and magnifying glass/microscope.

Procedure:

1. With the variety of seedling provided draw the main form of each seedling. Draw the main form for the Pinus (pine), Acer pseudoplatanus (sycamore), and Fagus sylvatica (beech).

2. Identify key features of plant by gross examination i.e. taproot and lateral roots and root hairs. Label if necessary.

3. Once identified, remove some root tips with the scalpel and look for root hairs. Make sure to get samples of each of the taproots, lateral roots and root hairs. Samples should be no wider than the width of a coin to ensure an accurate examination.

4. Make sure you get a good sample to show key parts of the roots structure for e.g. epidermis, endodermis and the cortex. The more samples taken the more in depth the experiment will be.

Results:

Pinus