Seeds can be classified in various ways. The classification of seeds is discussed below:
A. According to the number of seeds:
Based on the number of cotyledons, seeds can be divided into three types:
1. Monocotyledons: Seeds that have only one cotyledon are called monocotyledons. For example: wheat, maize, date palm, coconut, palm, betel nut, etc.
2. Dicotyledonous Seeds: Seeds that have two cotyledons are called dicotyledonous seeds. Examples include gourd, pumpkin, peas, gram, mango, yam, tamarind, jackfruit, jute, reed, carpus, tobacco, mustard, brinjal, tomato, potato, cauliflower, cabbage, beans, mung, radish, soybean, etc.
3. Polycotyledonous seeds: Seeds which have more than two cotyledons are called polycotyledonous seeds. For example, pine.
B. Based on the appearance of the seed coat:
Seeds can be divided into two types based on the presence of a seed coat:
1. Naked seeds: Seeds that do not have any coat are called naked seeds. Examples include wheat, corn, etc.
2. Coated Seeds: Seeds which have a coat are called coated seeds. Examples include different types of pulse seeds, oil seeds, forest seeds, etc.
C. Based on the number of embryos:
Seeds can be divided into two categories according to the number of embryos:
1. Monoecious Seed: A seed that contains only one embryo is called a monoecious seed. Examples include paddy, wheat, jute, etc.
2. Multi-embryonic Seed: A seed which contains more than one embryo is called a multi-embryonic seed. Examples include coconut, dal, etc.
D. Based on utilization:
On the basis of usage, seeds can be divided into two categories:
1. Botanical Seed: The fertilized ovule is called a botanical seed. Examples include pulse seeds, oil seeds, wheat, maize, etc.
2. Agricultural Seed: Any part of a plant that can give rise to a new plant under suitable conditions is an agricultural seed. Round potato pieces with developed eyes, sugarcane pieces with lively eyes, pebbles, leaves, etc. fall into this category.
E. Based on fertility:
There are two types of seeds based on fertilization:
1. Fertilized seed: The seed formed by fertilization of the ovule with pollen is called a fertilized seed. Examples include rice, wheat, mustard, corn, etc.
2. Unfertilized seed: The ovule in some plants develops without being fertilized by sperm and produces seeds. Such seeds are called unfertilized seeds. Examples include bananas.
F. Based on endosperm presence:
There are two types of seeds based on endosperm presence:
1. Endospermic seed: Those seeds that have endosperm stored outside the cotyledon as food for future use are called endospermic seeds. Examples include rice, wheat, corn, etc.
2. Non-endospermic seed: Those seeds that store food for the future in the cotyledon are called non-endospermic seeds. Examples include pumpkin, gourd, gram, etc.”