Seed viability
= Seed viability
The capacity of a living <seed> to produce a developing <plant> under suitable conditions. A <seed> with <seed dormancy> can retain <seed viability>. In an ideal counting exercise, if $g$ of $N$ <seeds> complete <germination>, at least $g$ were living at the start. The other $N-g$ are unresolved: a failed <germination assay> alone cannot separate dead <seeds>, <seed dormancy> and unsuitable conditions.