SEEDLINGS 



101 



Seedlings 



After the radicle and plumule have escaped from the seed cov- 

 erings, the young plant passes into the seedling stage, which lasts 

 until the young plant becomes entirely self-supporting, that is, 



FIG. 95. Early stages in the development of the Corn seedling. A, 

 section through kernel, showing cotyledon (c), radicle (r), and plumule (p). 

 B, after germination with radicle or primary root (r) and plumule (p) much 

 elongated. C, radicle (r) and plumule (p) much further developed; s, sec- 

 ondary roots; I, leaves; t, coleoptile. 



until it no longer receives any of its food supply from the seed. 

 From the seedling stage the plant passes into the adult stage, ex- 

 cept in trees where a sapling stage occurs. However, the division 



