Epigeal and Hypogeal Germination
Epigeal germination is the type of germination where a seedling emerges from the soil and the cotyledons (seed leaves) are visible above the soil surface
Hypogeal germination is the type of germination where a seedling emerges from the soil but the cotyledons remain below the soil surface.
Difference between Epigeal and Hypogeal Germination
| Hypogeal germination | Epigeal germination | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germination of a plant that takes place below the ground is called Hypogeal Germination. | Germination of a plant that takes place above the ground is called Epigeal germination |
| 2 | In Hypogeal Germination the seed leaves or the cotyledons remain below the soil surface during germination. | In Epigeal Germination the seed leaves or the cotyledons are brought on to the surface or above the soil along with the shoot during germination. |
| 3 | In Hypogeal Germination the terminal part of the epicotyl is curved in order to reduce damage to plumule by friction from soil particles. | In Epigeal Germination the terminal part of the hypocotyl is curved to protect the plumule from the friction of the soil. |
| 4 | The hypocotyl in Hypogeal Germination does not elongate much. Instead, the epicotyl grows and takes the plumule above the soil. | The cotyledons in Epigeal germination are brought out of the soil by the excessive growth of the Hypocotyl. |
| 5 | In Hypogeal Germination the epicotyl is long in plants. | Epicotyl is short in plants that show Epigeal germination. |
| 6 | In Hypogeal Germination the energy for growth is primarily derived from the Endosperm. | In Epigeal Germination the energy for growth is primarily derived from cotyledon. |
| 7 | In Hypogeal Germination the cotyledons do not play any role in Photosynthesis. | The cotyledon turns green and acts as the first leaves of the plant and take part in photosynthesis. |
| 8 | Monocot seeds generally germinate with Hypogeal germination. | Dicot seeds generally germinate with Epigeal Germination. |
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| Examples of Hypogeal germination – coconut, pea, gram, water lily, arum and maize etc. | Examples of Epigeal germination – beans, Alisma, onion and papaya, castor. |
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