AFA1E-L

“Sexual Name:

GERMINATION
Propagation”
Course, Yr. & Section:

TES Date:

TBACKGROUND
A germination test is a method used to determine the viability of seeds by inducing
them to sprout and grow under controlled conditions. This test is used by farmers,
gardeners, and seed companies to evaluate the quality of seeds and ensure a
successful crop or garden. This test is based on the principle that viable seeds will
germinate under favorable conditions, while non-viable seeds will not. By conducting a
germination test, you can determine the percentage of viable seeds in a batch, which will
help you to decide how many seeds to plant and ensure a good yield.
The germination test is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed in a
laboratory or at home with minimal equipment. The test involves placing a sample of
seeds in a moist environment under controlled conditions and monitoring their growth
over a period of time. In this test, seeds are placed in a controlled environment where
they are provided with the necessary conditions for germination, such as moisture,
warmth, and light. The seeds are then observed over a period of time to see if they
germinate and how many of them sprout.
Through hands-on experimentation, students will learn how to set up and monitor a
germination test, analyze the results, and make informed decisions about planting and
crop management. By the end of this activity, students will have gained valuable
knowledge and skills that they can apply to their future work in plant growth and
cultivation.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this laboratory activity, the students are expected to:
 conduct a germination test and accurately document and interpret the results;
 apply the principles of seed germination and germination testing to make informed
decisions about planting and crop management;
 demonstrate skills in setting up and maintaining a controlled environment for seed
germination;
 critically evaluate seed quality and viability based on germination test results;
 Identify potential issues with seed storage or handling that can impact seed viability and
develop strategies to address these issues;
 apply the principles of data analysis and record-keeping to document and analyze
germination test results;
 understand the importance of seed germination and germination testing in plant growth
and crop management; and,
 demonstrate safe and ethical laboratory practices when conducting a germination test.

laboratory activity 4 1
 RAG-DOLL METHOD

MATERIALS

 Seeds
 4 pieces of cloth, 15 x 20 cm
 12 rubber bands or strings
 4 paper labels
 4 bamboo sticks about 1 cm wide and 30 cm long

PROCEDURES

Obtain random samples of seeds and

discard any that are empty or unfilled.
☐
Select precisely 100 seeds for each of
the four (4) ragdolls.

Label the test. Write name of variety and

☐
date of test on a paper label.

Moisten a piece of cloth. Soak a cloth in

water then squeeze the water out. This
☐
helps the seed to stick when placed on
the cloth.

☐ Spread the cloth on a flat surface.

laboratory activity 4 2
 Sow the seeds on the cloth. Distribute
☐ all 100 seeds evenly in rows of 10. Start
about 2 cm from each edge of the cloth.

Place the bamboo stick on the cloth.

☐ Place the bamboo stick along the longer
edge of the cloth.

Roll the cloth around the stick. Press the

border of the damp cloth against the
stick and simultaneously roll the stick
with the cloth while moving toward the
opposite border. Do not roll the stick
☐
without moving it toward the opposite
border or you may displace your
arrangement of seed. Secure the cloth
in place by tying both ends with rubber
bands or string.

☐ Attach paper label to the stick.

Let the seeds germinate. Moisten the

seed by dipping the rag doll in the pail of
☐ water, then remove it from the pail.
About three dips per day are sufficient to
keep the seed continuously moistened.

laboratory activity 4 3
 Store the rag doll in a shaded place at
room temperature (28 °C), but not in an
☐ air-conditioned room. Protect the rag
doll from rats. The seeds will germinate
in 4 to 5 days.

Count the germinated seeds. After 4 or

5 days count the number of seeds that
☐ have shoots and roots. All shoots must
be longer than 1 cm. If they are not,
seed viability may have been damaged.

Record the result. The number of shoots

counted is the percentage viability. The
☐ result is more reliable if the test is based
on four rag dolls prepared at the same
time.

RAGDOLL
METHOD

(Insert image of the samples tested using the ragdoll method of seed germination)

GERMINATION
RATE

laboratory activity 4 4
laboratory activity 4 5
 SEEDBOX METHOD

MATERIALS

 Seeds
 a box about 15 × 30 × 30 cm filled 10 cm deep with soil
 a paper label or wooden labeling peg

PROCEDURES

Obtain random samples of seeds and

discard any that are empty or unfilled.
☐
Select precisely 100 seeds for each of
the four (4) seed boxes.

Label the seedbox. Write name of

variety tested and date on a paper tag
☐ or a wooden pot labeling peg. Stick the
label in the soil at one corner of the
seedbox.

Plant the seeds in the box. Drop seed in

rows. One box is sufficient for planting
☐ all your replications (divide the box into
four sections and plant 100 seeds in
each section).

☐ Cover the seeds slightly with soil.

laboratory activity 4 6
 Water the box after sowing, then
occasionally thereafter. Do not let the
☐
soil dry out. Protect the seeds from rats.
The seeds will germinate in 4 to 7 days.

Count the germinated seed. At the end

of the germination period, count the
☐ number of shoots above the soil level.
Do not count any shoot shorter than 1
cm.

Record the results. Divide the total

☐ number of shoots in all four sections of
the box by 4 to get percentage viability.

SEED BOX
METHOD

(Insert image of the samples tested using the seed box method of seed germination)

GERMINATION
RATE

laboratory activity 4 7
 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

QUESTIONS

1. How did you collect and analyze the data from the germination tests (rag-doll and
seed box method), and what conclusions did you draw from the results?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the seed box method, and when
might it be the most appropriate technique to use?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the rag-doll method, and when might
it be the most appropriate technique to use?
4. What are some potential sources of error or variability in the germination test you
conducted?
5. How can you apply the knowledge and skills gained from this activity to other areas
of plant growth and cultivation?

laboratory activity 4 8
REFERENCES

Rubric for the individual laboratory activity

EXPE NOVI
PRACTITION APPRENTI SCOR EQUIVALE
CRITERION RT CE
ER (3) CE (2) E NT
(4) (1)
Understandi The report The main Some main The report
ng of the manifests an in- points are points are is
Laboratory depth presented lacking. haphazardl
Activity understanding clearly. y written.
(20%) of the laboratory
activity.
Content Excellent Generally, Lacking in Incoherent
(30%) articulation correct. the info presentatio
of required. n
ideas. of ideas.
Formatting Followed Adequate visuals Minor Lackluster
and required format and followed deviation in visuals
Presentati and excellent required format. the required and
on (10%) visuals. format. required
format not
followed.
Scienti The data is The data is The data is The data is
fic complete complete but complete but not complete
Accura and contains minor contains and contains
cy accurate. inconsistencies. some errors unexplainabl
(30%) that affect e errors.
the
generality of
the report.
Timeline Report Report submitted Report Report
ss (10%) submitted two one day before submitted on submitted
days before due date. the after the
due date. due due date.
date.
Total

Rating

laboratory activity 4 9