This biological trigger occurs when a seed absorbs sufficient moisture and reaches the correct temperature, causing the embryo to expand and break through the seed coat. The process first pushes out a radicle to establish a root system, followed by the emergence of a shoot. Growers manipulate temperature, light, and moisture levels to force high and uniform rates of sprouting in nursery trays or field rows.
Heard on the job
The soil is still too cold for the corn to germinate, so we'll hold off planting until next week.