AllenF

Thank you for the information. When I scarified the seed, I exposed both the endosperm and micropyle by cutting a 30 degree notch in the right hand side of the seed as outlined in the diagram.

I can understand the need for the embryo to penetrate the micropyle and the micropylar plug with it's root in order to germinate.

Despite the assertion that water can penetrate the seed coating without it being scarified, I noted that the scarified seed was about 20% larger than the unscarified seed after both had been soaked in water for 86 hours.

I suggest that the absorption of more water by the scarified seed would have caused increases in the size of the micropyle and endosperm which would have stressed the micropylar plug perhaps causing fracture(s).

At the next observation I will consider the removal and perhaps dissection of 1 of each of the seed categories.

Allen

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You don't have to be crazy to grow Bananas in Alberta, but it helps