20 



FLOWERS: SEED PRODUCTION 



development much of the nourishment of the plant is taken to the 

 seeds by the process of circulation through the stems. Note the 

 peculiar action in the case of the peanut (Figs. 13 and 14). 



This is a very critical period in the life of the plant or crop. 

 The moisture conditions must be as nearly perfect as possible. 

 The yield of the crop of seed, as of wheat, is largely dependent 

 upon the development during this period. If conditions are 



FIG. 15. Tobacco flowers and seed in different stages of development from left to right. 

 Note the abundance of seed from one case. (U. S. D. A.) 



unfavorable the mature seed may be shriveled and poor and the 

 resulting crop be very light. 



Purpose of Seeds. In nature seeds are formed for the purpose 

 of reproducing the species at a later time and in other places. 

 Distribution is accomplished largely through seeds (Fig. 15). 

 Annual plants live through winter in the form of seeds only. 



The length of time which seeds may live is dependent upon 

 several things: (1) The nature of the storage matter in the seed. 

 If much oil is present the seeds may be less subject to weather 

 conditions because they do not absorb moisture readily. (2) The 



