Seedling emergence

Seedling emergence is one of the most important phenological event that influences the success of an annual plant. Emergence represents the point in time when a seedling is weaned from dependence upon nonrenewable seed reserves originally produced by its parent, and when photosynthetic autotrophism begins. Timing of emergence often determines whether a plant competes successfully with its neighbors, is consumed by herbivores, infected with diseases, and whether it flowers, reproduces, and matures properly by the end of the growing season.