What occurs when infected wheat seeds germinate?

• A. The fungus is activated and progresses with the plant
• B. The seeds become completely resistant to pathogens
• C. The seeds produce secondary dormancy
• D. The germination rate increases significantly

Answer: (A)

When infected wheat seeds germinate, the fungus present in the seeds is activated and continues its development along with the plant. This means that as the plant grows, the fungus can also spread and potentially cause disease. The presence of the fungus can impair the growth of the plant and reduce its overall health, leading to reduced yields and quality of the crop.

In wheat seeds, if pathogens are present, germination does not eliminate the risk; instead, the activated fungus can affect the seedling as it establishes itself in the soil and develops further. This highlights the importance of seed treatment to prevent the activation of such pathogens and ensure healthy plant development.

The other options present scenarios that do not align with the biological processes at play. Seeds cannot become completely resistant to pathogens simply through germination, nor do they produce secondary dormancy in response to pathogens. Additionally, while germination may influence various factors, an increase in germination rate is not a direct effect of infection by a fungus; instead, it typically results in complications for the plant's health.