Bellwork: List three methods of seed dispersal and four parts of a seed and their functions.

 A seed is a mature ovule  Where is the ovule found???  Three main parts of a seed  Embryo: Miniature plant in developmental form  Endosperm: Built-in food supply  Seed Coat: Hard outer covering which protects the seed from disease, insects, and excess water

 The seed is how plants produce new life through sexual reproduction.  In angiosperms, where does sexual reproduction occur??

 The seed begins to form an embryo following fertilization  The mature embryo consists of different parts  Embryonic roots called the radicle  Embryonic stems called hypocotyl  Seed leaves known as the cotyledon which store food

 Seeds vary in shape, size, and color  Seed characteristics are based on dispersal needs  Seed dispersal?

 Fruit consists of mature ovules (AKS SEEDS!) and the ovary wall  The wall can be fleshy like an APPLE  The wall can be dry and hard like an ACORN  Some fruits have seeds enclosed within the ovary  Can you name a few??  Other fruits have seeds on the outside of the fruit tissue  Can you name a few??

 International Seed Vault International Seed Vault

March 19, 2013

 Soil is made up of sand, silt, clay, organic matter, living organisms, and pore spaces that hold water and air.  Soils vary greatly in composition based on their origin Form as a result of rock breaking down over thousands of years Form as a result of material deposited by wind or water  Soils are classified according to the percentage of sand, silt, and clay contained in the mixture  Soil particles vary greatly in size  Sand – silt – clay

 Sandy or light soil  In sandy soils, silt & clay make up less than 20% of the material  Soils have large pore space  Drain well because gravity forces water down through the pores  Little water holding capacity  Little capacity to hold plant nutrients  Warm up very quickly in the summer

 Comprised of intermediate sized particles  Fairly fertile soils  Well-drained  But hold more moisture than sandy soils  Easily compacted

 Heavy soil  Poor drainage and aeration capabilities  Small poor space  Water and air have a hard time passing through  Water is held in the soil Some clay tends to be good for plant growth because it holds moisture & nutrients  Takes a long time to warm up in the summer but dries out in high heat  Compact and become extremely hard

 Most desirable soil type  Equal parts of sand, silt, and clay  Well-drained soils  Optimum moisture & nutrient holding capacity capacity

 More and more growers are using planting mixes that contain little, if any soil  Advantages  The mix is uniform (does not vary in pH or texture)  The mix is sterile (containing no disease organisms, insects, or weed seeds)  Lighter in weight and easier to handle  Good moisture retention & drainage  Disadvantages  Needs to be stored  Some plants prefer natural soils  Added expense

 Gray-white mineral of volcanic origin  Used to improve aeration  Larger particles

 Partially decomposed vegetation that has been preserved underwater  Originates in marshes, bogs, or swamps  It has a VERY high moisture holding capacity

 Made from mica (mineral) particles  Very light material  Spongy  Neutral pH  pH scale is from 0…...7…..14  When vermiculite is heated it expands  High moisture holding capacity

 Manmade fibers made from natural or synthetic minerals  Used in hydroponic applications  Cultivating plants in mineral solutions (water with added minerals)  Has limited water holding capacity which allows water to circulate through the medium