Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

The viability of a group of seeds is measured by?

1. Permeability of the seeds

2. The germination percentage

3. Maturity of the seeds

4. The number of seeds per pound

The correct answer is: The germination percentage

The viability of a group of seeds is accurately measured by the germination percentage. This percentage reflects how many seeds in a given sample are capable of germinating and producing healthy seedlings under optimal conditions. A high germination percentage indicates that a larger proportion of the seeds are alive and capable of sprouting, while a low percentage suggests that many seeds may be non-viable or damaged. Germination percentage is a critical measure in seed testing, as it provides essential information for farmers, gardeners, and horticulturists about the potential success of planting those seeds. Knowing the germination percentage helps in making informed decisions on planting density, seed costs, and overall expectations for crop yield. Other aspects such as permeability of the seeds, maturity of the seeds, and the number of seeds per pound offer important information about seed quality and characteristics, but they do not directly measure the viability of the seeds in terms of their ability to germinate. Permeability relates to the seed's capability to absorb water; maturity reflects the developmental stage the seeds are in; and the number of seeds per pound provides a measure of seed size and weight distribution, which are less relevant for determining actual viability.