Hard seed

Japanese: 硬実 - こうじつ（英語表記）hard seed

This refers to mature seeds that, even if external conditions are favorable for germination, cannot germinate because their seed coat is hard and does not allow moisture to pass through. They are also called hard-grained or impermeable seeds. They are a type of dormant seed. They often occur in small seeds of legumes such as soybeans, kidney beans, red clover, Chinese milk vetch, and alfalfa. Hard seeding is often caused by genetics. In terms of structure, factors include the structure of the seed coat and increased silica content. The environment also induces hard seeding, and seeds produced in dry areas or at dry times are more likely to become hard seeded than seeds produced in wet areas or at wet times.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

成熟した種子で，しかも外的条件が発芽に好適でありながら，種皮が硬く水分を通過させないため発芽できない性質をもつ種子をいう。硬粒，不透性種子ともいう。休眠種子の一種である。ダイズ，インゲン，アカクローバー，レンゲソウ，アルファルファなどマメ科植物の，とくに小型種子で生ずることが多い。硬実は遺伝によって引き起こされる場合が多い。組織的には種皮の構造，ケイ酸含量の増加などがあげられる。環境もまた硬実の誘因となり，乾燥地または乾燥時に生産された種子は，湿潤地または湿潤時に生産された種子に比べ硬実になりやすい。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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