Environmental Factors

Temperature
Gases
Water
Light

Light

Image of light shining on leaf

Many plant species which produce small seeds need light to trigger germination. For some it is the correct wavelength of the light, and for some it is the correct photoperiod (day length) that triggers germination. Small seeds do not have big food reserves and so the epicotyl needs to reach the soil surface quickly so that the first leaves can start to photosynthesis to feed the seedling.

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  • Funded as part of the Scottish Funding Council's curriculum development unit cost model project. Developed by the Educational Development Unit, University of the Highlands and Islands.

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