Freshly shed seeds can germinate immediately under favourable conditions in

Options

A. Xanthium
B. Pisum sativum
C. Zea mays
D. Both B and C

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Seed Dormancy**:
- Seeds often enter a dormant state after being shed from the parent plant. This dormancy can prevent immediate germination, even under favorable conditions.

2. **Factors Affecting Germination**:
- Several factors can inhibit seed germination:
- **Impermeable Seed Coats**: Some seeds have tough outer layers that do not allow water to penetrate, which is essential for germination.
- **Temperature**: Low temperatures can create unfavorable conditions for germination.
- **Light Requirements**: Certain seeds need light to germinate, while others require darkness.
- **Presence of Inhibitors**: Some seeds contain natural inhibitors that prevent germination until they are removed or broken down.

3. **Examples of Seeds**:
- **Xanthium Seeds**: These seeds contain germination inhibitors such as ferulic acid and abscisic acid (ABA). They cannot germinate immediately because the inhibitors must be eliminated.
- **Pea (Pisum sativum) and Maize (Zea mays)**: These seeds do not have germination inhibitors. Therefore, they can germinate immediately once they are shed from the plant under favorable conditions.

4. **Identifying the Correct Answer**:
- Given the information, the question asks which freshly shed seeds can germinate immediately under favorable conditions. The correct answer is **Pea (Pisum sativum) and Maize (Zea mays)**, as they do not have inhibitors and can germinate right away.

5. **Final Answer**:
- The correct option is **4** (Pea and Maize).