seedcoats
Embryo's outer armor
Seedcoats are the outer protective layers of seeds, the tough covering that shields the embryonic plant within.
The seedcoat controls water absorption and protects against physical damage, disease, and premature germination.
Some seedcoats must be scarified—scratched or weakened—before the seed can sprout: Soak the seeds overnight to soften their seedcoats.
Outer seed integument
- integumentNatural outer covering
- pericarpMature ovary wall
- cuticleDead skin at nail base
- epidermisOutermost tissue layer
hypodermis · palisade · membrane · covering · shell · husk · film · envelope
Intentional shallow skin cuts
- stratificationDivision into distinct levels
- dormancySuspended biological activity
- permeabilityAbility to transmit fluids
- hydrationBodily fluid replenishment
radicle · embryo · cotyledon · plumule · viability · osmosis · emergence · softening
Removing seed's outer layer
- millingProcessing grain mechanically
- branCereal grain husk
- chaffProtective seed coverings
- hullOuter covering or frame
polishing · fiber · byproduct · animal feed · extraction
Resistance to passage
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- armorProtective combat covering
- shieldingProtecting from harm
desiccation · pathogens · predation · weathering · dormancy · survival · durability · toughness
testa
Outer seed integument
- integumentNatural outer covering
- pericarpMature ovary wall
- cuticleDead skin at nail base
epidermis · hypodermis · palisade · membrane · covering · shell · husk · film · envelope · sheath
scarification
Intentional shallow skin cuts
- stratificationDivision into distinct levels
- dormancySuspended biological activity
- permeabilityAbility to transmit fluids
hydration · radicle · embryo · cotyledon · plumule · viability · osmosis · emergence · softening · rupture
dehulling
Removing seed's outer layer
hull · polishing · fiber · byproduct · animal feed · extraction
impermeability
Resistance to passage
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- armorProtective combat covering
shielding · desiccation · pathogens · predation · weathering · dormancy · survival · durability · toughness · hardness
lignin
Structural plant polymer
- tanninPlant-derived astringent compound
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
- waxPliable waterproof substance
pectin · phenolics · flavonoids · mucilage · pigments · proteins