Sprossung

Sprossung, in botany, is the growth phase in which a plant develops its shoot system from a seed or other storage organ, resulting in the emergence of a stem and leaves. During this process, the embryonic shoot meristem becomes active, and the shoot tissues differentiate into the hypocotyl or epicotyl, cotyledons, and later true leaves. Sprossung is often described together with germination, but in strict terms germination refers to activation of the embryo, whereas sprossung describes the subsequent development of the shoot structures.

Stages and architecture: After imbibition, metabolic activity increases; in many seeds the radicle emerges first, followed by the shoot. In epigeal germination the cotyledons and the shoot tip emerge above the ground, while in hypogeal germination the shoot remains below the surface for a time and only the epicotyl elongates. In storage organs such as tubers, bulbs or rhizomes, sprouts arise and may give rise to new shoots.

Regulation: Sprossung is regulated by plant hormones, especially gibberellins that promote stem elongation and shoot emergence, and abscisic acid which can enforce dormancy. Light, temperature, moisture, and nutrient availability are important environmental cues.

Importance: Sprouting underpins crop establishment, seedling production, and vegetative propagation. In horticulture, controlled sprossung is used to raise nursery plants; in agriculture, sprouting status affects yield and quality. Some crops face challenges if sprouting occurs prematurely or excessively during storage.