Itäminen

Itäminen is the Finnish term for seed germination, the biological process by which a dormant seed resumes growth and develops into a seedling. The word derives from itää, meaning to sprout, with the noun-forming suffix -minen. In botanical usage it refers to the transition from a resting seed to an actively growing young plant.

The germination process typically begins with imbibition, the uptake of water that rehydrates seed tissues. This rehydration activates metabolism and leads to the breaking of the seed coat. Shortly after, the embryonic axis elongates and the radicle, the first root, emerges, followed by the shoot or plumule. Depending on the species, the cotyledons may stay below the ground (hypogeal germination) or rise above it (epigeal germination). As growth continues, true leaves develop and the seedling becomes capable of photosynthesis.

Environmental and physiological factors strongly influence itäminen. Seeds require sufficient moisture, adequate oxygen, and a suitable temperature range. Many seeds also exhibit dormancy, a temporary cessation of germination that can be overcome by stratification (cold treatment), scarification, or after-ripening. Hormonal control involves gibberellins promoting germination and abscisic acid maintaining dormancy.

Ecological and agricultural significance is considerable. The timing and success of germination affect plant establishment, crop yields, and forest regeneration. Seed quality, storage conditions, and treatment methods are routinely evaluated to predict germination performance in research and farming.