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Germination begins after the soybean seed absorbs water equal to approximately 50% of its weight. This absorbed water rehydrates cells and metabolism begins within the seed. Cell elongation in the radicle causes this primary root to push through the seed coat and into the soil. Dead seeds will absorb water and swell in size, but little or no root growth will occur. The next structure to elongate is the hypocotyl. Its elongation pulls the cotyledons through the soil and up to the soil surface. Once in sunlight, the hypocotyl will straighten upright to completely bring the cotyledons out of the soil. This stage is VE. |