Post date: Apr 12, 2012 3:07:45 AM
When the seed germinates in well-drained and well-aerated soil, the coleorhiza, a covering enclosing the radicle or primary root, protrudes first.
Fig. 1 - The coleorhiza protrudes first.
Shortly after the coleorhiza appears, the radicle or primary root breaks through the covering.
Fig. 2 - Radicle or primary root breaks through the covering.
Two or more sparsely branched seminal roots follow. These roots eventually die and are replaced by many secondary adventitious roots.
Fig. 3 - Seminal roots
If the seed germinates in water, the coleoptile, a covering enclosing the young shoot, emerges ahead of the coleorhiza. The coleoptile emerges as a tapered cylinder.
Fig. 4 - Coleoptile emerging as a tapered cylinder.