Categories
Best Regular Seeds

The Seed – The Reproductive Body of Angiosperms and Gymnosperms

Seed is the characteristic reproductive body of flowering plants (angiosperms) and gymnosperms. It consists of a miniature undeveloped plant embryo and stored food reserves enclosed in a protective outer coating called the testa.

Using seeds to grow your own plants allows you to choose from many more varieties than are available at garden centers. However, seeds must first germinate to become seedlings.

Embryonic Development

In plants, embryonic development can mean anything from the forming egg-cell framed after fertilization in angiosperms or the buds that structure on stems in gymnosperms. It additionally alludes to the underdeveloped state of a plant, which is found in seeds of angiosperms and gymnosperms.

Embryonic development happens as an asymmetric transverse cell division in the zygote. This produces two cells – a small apical cell resting on top of a large basal cell. These two cells give rise to different structures, establishing polarity in the embryo.

During embryogenesis, the concentration of IAA, cytokinin, gibberellins, and abscisic acid (ABA) is high. These hormones encourage cell growth, pattern formation, and polarity establishment in the embryo. However, at the torpedo stage, they trigger embryo maturation, in which a reduction in cell division occurs and H3.1 is replaced by H3.3. H3.3 is critical in embryo maturation because it reprograms the embryo epigenome for the acquisition of post-embryonic developmental potentials.

Endosperm Development

The endosperm is the nutritive tissue surrounding the embryo. It provides nourishment during the dormant period of the seed and is the primary source of energy for seeds in Angiosperms and Gynosperms. It also controls embryo development and reserves.

Cellular endosperm development involves a series of syncytial cell divisions. The first divisions result in eight endosperm nuclei evenly distributed along a curved region of the micropylar-chalazal (MC) axis. Cellular division continues in this manner until the MC reaches its destination at the chalazal pole, where the syncytial endosperm becomes cellular (Fig. 1).

At the beginning of syncytial cell division, a DNA methylation pattern is established that is largely maintained through subsequent mitosis. A genome-wide profiling study of H3K27me3 in wild-type endosperm revealed that the FIS PcG complex represses a specific set of genes around the site of cellularization, which is consistent with the idea that the FIS complex prevents somatic traits from being acquired during syncytial endosperm development (Weinhofer et al., 2010).

Seed Coat

Seed coats are complex structures that control a number of processes including germination, development and nutrient flow. The structure and composition of the seed coat are determined by specialized tissues that differentiate to serve various functions. Nutrients passing from the embryo and endosperm through the seed coat determine the rate of imbibition which in turn controls germination. The seed coat also provides an effective barrier against pathogen penetration.

The heritable trait of seed coat hardness, a major factor determining water permeability, is linked to the lignin content and morphological characteristics of the testa (Agrawal & Menon 1974). Nonetheless, the impermeability of the seed coat does not depend solely on its thickness since seeds that can withstand mechanical damage tend to have thinner testas.

In diploid seeds such as legumes, the seed coat is further protected by a pericarp and the plumule and radicle. Monocots have additional structures known as the coleoptile and coleorhiza which act as sheaths that enclose the plumule, radicle and hypocotyl.

Germination

Seeds require the right conditions to germinate and grow into seedlings. These include water, temperature and oxygen. Germination also requires the right triggers. These may be physical (the action of light falling on the seed) or biological (the activity of a plant DNA ligase).

The first step is called imbibition, which is the uptake of water by the seed. This makes the seed swell and split its seed coat, and also breaks down some of its food reserve, which gives it energy.

The swollen embryo then starts growing, and the radicle emerges from the plumule, creating an anchoring root and completing germination. The cotyledons then develop leaves. Oxygen is required for respiration, which will be the seedling’s main source of energy until it grows its own leaves. If the cotyledons can’t access oxygen, they will die. The ability to access oxygen is controlled by the permeability of the seed coating and soil pore space. Seeds that have been buried too deeply in the soil are starved for oxygen.

Categories
Best Regular Seeds

How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds

cannabis seed

Cannabis seeds are high in healthy fats, protein, Vitamin A and iron. Try adding them to your favorite smoothie recipes for a nutritional boost.

When given the right conditions, seeds will sprout (emerge from their shell) and grow. They develop roots down and cotyledons upward to help them absorb nutrients from the surrounding soil.

How to Germinate Seeds

Germinating seeds is a crucial step in the cultivation process. It ensures that your seeds are healthy and ready to begin growing into seedlings. It also ensures that you have enough plant material for your garden.

There are a few different methods for germinating cannabis seeds. One popular method is to place the seeds on a wet paper towel. This is a common practice among horticulturists, and it is an easy way to sprout seeds. However, be careful when removing the seeds from the paper towel, as they are fragile at this stage. Use tweezers to avoid damage.

Another option is to simply water the seeds. Make sure that you only water the seeds until they are fully saturated. Do not oversaturate the seeds or the germination medium, as this can cause them to rot. When planting the seeds, be sure to point the white root downwards into the germination medium. This will prevent the seed from having to reorient itself after it is planted.

How to Store Seeds

It’s best to store seeds in a dry and dark location for as long as possible. Seeds are very light sensitive and the slightest exposure to sunlight or temperature changes can cause them to start germinating. This will use up their stored nutrients and can ultimately lead to them wilting and dying.

A good place to store seeds is in a refrigerator. These fridges typically are pretty dark and dry but it’s important that you keep the door closed and don’t open it often. Opening the door and shutting it again can cause dramatic temperature shifts which could potentially harm the seeds.

If you don’t have a special no-frost fridge, a dark and dry drawer of a kitchen cupboard or even a plastic Ziplock bag will work. Just be sure to include a desiccant, like those little packets of silica gel that come in many products or uncooked rice kernels, to help maintain moisture levels and absorb ethylene.

How to Test Seeds

Despite their differences in size and shape, healthy cannabis seeds display a general body type—round at one end and tapered at the other. Seeds that do not adhere to this recognizable shape may have undergone genetic flaws that could affect their germination and cultivating success. Thankfully, a simple water float test can help you distinguish good seeds from bad.

To perform the float test, simply place your seeds in a glass of lukewarm water. Those that sink will have taken in the water and are therefore healthier and more likely to sprout. On the other hand, if a seed floats above the surface of the water, it has not taken in any nutrients and is therefore of poorer quality. To confirm this, squeeze a few of the seeds between your index finger and thumb; if they feel soft or crack under pressure, they are not of high quality and should be discarded. They are also less likely to germinate and will have a lower chance of surviving.

Where to Buy Seeds

There are hundreds of seed banks online, but you need to be sure you’re dealing with a reputable one. Look for a high germination rate and guaranteed shipping. Also, look for a company that offers grow guides and troubleshooting tips.

If you’re looking for a seed bank that sells only high-quality seeds, try ILGM. They have great reviews and a large variety of strains. They even offer free US-based shipping and a germination guarantee.

Another great option is MSNL. They have a large selection of popular strains, and their website features an entertaining quiz that helps you find the best seeds for your needs. They also offer free shipping and 10% off on Bitcoin orders. This is a great choice for beginners who want to get started growing cannabis. They offer many different strains, including ones that thrive in warm and cold climates. You can also buy them in bulk for a discount.

Categories
Best Regular Seeds

The Benefits of Regular Cannabis Seed

regular seed

Regular seeds function just as nature intended. They have a 50% chance of growing into either male or female plants, which is necessary for breeding.

Many growers choose regular seeds for their genetic diversity. They allow you to create new strains with unique terpene profiles and cannabinoid compositions. However, they can also produce male plants, which decrease the yield of your crop.

They are cheaper

Regular seeds are cheaper than other types of seed. They have a 50/50 chance of producing male and female plants, so growers must plant twice as many seeds to ensure they get enough females for their harvest. This is why they are popular among home cultivators who like to produce their own seeds.

Regular seeds can be used to create new strains by crossing different varieties. This is a fun way to experiment with different genetics and create unique strains that are not available commercially. This type of cultivation also provides a greater quantity and quality of aromatic terpenes.

Regular seeds can be difficult to grow, but they can produce a larger yield than feminized seeds. These seeds are perfect for experienced growers who want to experiment with different genetics. With proper care, regular seeds can produce high-quality, potent buds. They are also great for making cuttings and mother plants. Moreover, they are not as susceptible to hermaphrodites as feminized seeds.

They are more stable

Regular seed is more stable than feminized seed and is often preferred by breeders. It is a great option for those who want to grow a specific strain with its own unique genetics. The resulting weed can be as potent as the original variety.

However, growing a crop from regular seeds can be challenging for beginners. This is because the plants may produce both male and female plants, which can result in a lower yield. It is important to separate male plants from females before flowering. Otherwise, pollen from males can fertilize the she-weeds and prevent them from producing high-quality buds.

Feminized seeds are a safer option for beginner growers because they eliminate the need for sex profiling and the 50/50 genetic gamble. The only downside to this type of seed is that it can take longer for the plants to reach maturity. This can be frustrating for growers who are looking for a fast harvest.

They are easier to breed

Regular seeds give you a 50/50 chance of male and female plants. This is a good thing for breeders who want to select the most desirable traits and create new strains. However, growing regular seeds can be a time-consuming process since you must identify and remove all the male plants to prevent them from pollinating your female plants. This requires a lot of patience and careful monitoring, as well as the use of dedicated space and hydro system resources.

Feminized seeds, on the other hand, are guaranteed to produce only female plants. This makes them ideal for commercial growers who want to control the ratio of female to male plants in their crops. They also provide a higher yield and more consistent crop than regular seeds. If you’re looking for quality feminized cannabis seeds, check out the selection at SSSC. They’ve got some great options including Frosty Friday, Kosher Haze, and Creamy Kees. They also have a variety of regular seed varieties like Karel’s Haze and French Legacy.

They are more resistant to pests

The morphological characteristics of regular cannabis seeds make them more resistant to pests than feminized seeds. These characteristics include thick plant tissue, thick cell walls, surface wax and spines. These physical features interfere with insect movement, feeding and reproduction. This makes them a good choice for growers who want to use less insecticide in their crop.

They also offer the ability to create strains with specific terpenes and cannabinoid content. This is useful for growers who are looking for a particular high or low cannabinoid profile. Creating a new strain requires the combination of male and female plants, which is why many experienced growers prefer regular seeds.

It is important to water your seeds until they sprout, but don’t let them dry out. A seed needs a constant supply of moisture to develop strong roots and reach maturity. A seed that dries out will die before it can germinate. So, be sure to check them daily for moisture and transplant them when they have developed a root system.