Seed Tape Experiment Poll

[Bigmallly]

As many of you know, I've had good success making my own tape using masking tape. So for a bit of fun I've made 3 different versions with Radish seeds, I would like you to vote on which you think will germinate first. The 3 versions are as follows:

1) A 5" length of 1" wide Masking Tape with seeds inside folded in half to make a 1/2" tape.

2) A 5" length of 1" wide Masking Tape with 1" wide kitchen roll placed on top of the seeds..........Sown Tape down.

3) A 5" length of 1" wide Masking Tape with 1" wide kitchen roll placed on top of the seeds........Sown Kitchen Roll down.

4) They will all germinate at the same time.

I'll post the result as soon as I have germination.

[Sarico]

For me second one. For the seedling is easier to break the kitchen roll then a masking tape.

[Bigmallly]

That's interesting Sarico cos I don't know which comes first.........the root or the shoot.

[Nicos]

I imagine the root grows first, but will need to grow sideways to clear the edge of the tape before growing downwards?

Piccies would be good if you are able to disturb them a bit???

[Bigmallly]

I imagine the root grows first, but will need to grow sideways to clear the edge of the tape before growing downwards?

Piccies would be good if you are able to disturb them a bit???

I've yet to cover them over but as you may see, from top - Masking Tape down (seeds can be seen through the kitchen roll)----Masking Tape up---Folded Masking Tape.

[veggiechicken]

I've voted for Kitchen roll down as I think it would be easier to push through than the masking tape.
I'm not 100% sure which grows first, the root or the shoot, or whether they grow simultaneously.

[Bigmallly]

The embryo located in the seed has the following parts-:

1) Radicle 2) plumule 3) cotyledon/s 4)endosperm.

At the time of germination it is the radicle that comes out of the seed coat first and grows in the direction of soil/moisture. Radicle is the precursor of the root system.
If you soak peas or beans in water for a few hours and then keep them for germination then with in 4 to 6 hours you can see the white radicles sprouting out of the seeds.
In fact the statement 'sprouted seeds or grams or beans or wheat' means exactly what is stated above.

Only when the radicle has sufficiently grown and formed the primary root, the plumule begins to grow and forms the shoot.

The food required for this development is drawn from either the cotyledon/s or the endosperm.

So with that in mind, I'm gonna vote Masking Tape Up...............

[Sarico]

I think that the root can go sideways first and then going down. Like when the root hit the pot and start to spinning around. So if kitchen roll down the root come out but I think will be difficult for the stem Going up. I k ow may be stupid but the masking tape could be strong and if the seedling try to push up could possibly disturb the tape and pushing all of them on top? What I try to say the root can grow any side first and then go down.

[veggiechicken]

May I humbly suggest that there is a 4th way.
If you made a slit in the compost and put the seed tape on its narrow side (upright), the roots and shoots could squeeze out between the join at top and bottom!

[Sarico]

May I humbly suggest that there is a 4th way.
If you made a slit in the compost and put the seed tape on its narrow side (upright), the roots and shoots could squeeze out between the join at top and bottom!

In that case allo of them are the same I guess.

[Nicos]

Out of interest...how long does it take for the masking tape to break down?

[Bigmallly]

Do you know Nic..............I've no bladdy idea........

[Nicos]

You might discover that during this experiment???

[mothhawk]

I voted kitchen roll up, not because I think they'll actually germinate first, I think they'll all start together, but I think they'll be the first above ground as it will be easier for the shoot to get through the kitchen roll than the masking tape.

BTW, why is there no control sowing of seed on masking tape but not covered over with tape or KR?

[mothhawk]

Then again, of course, a lot depends on the quality of KR you are using. If it's that one that's advertised as practically indestructible it'll throw out my entire theory...