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, 04:10, 6 April 2007
In [[botany]], the '''radicle''' is the first part of a [[seedling]] (a growing plant [[embryo]]) to emerge from the [[seed]] during the process of [[germination]]. The ''radicle'' is the embryonic [[root]] of the plant, and grows downward in the soil. Above the radicle is the embryonic [[Plant stem|stem]] or '''''[[hypocotyl]]''''', supporting the [[cotyledon]](s).
The radicle emerges from a seed through the '''''micropyle'''''. Radicles in seedlings are classified into two main types. Those pointing away from the seed coat scar or '''''hilum''''' are classified as '''''antitropous''''', and those pointing towards the ''hilum'' are '''''syntropous'''''.
If the radicle begins to decay, the seedling undergoes preemergence damping-off. This disease appears on the radicle as darkened spots. Eventually, it causes death of the seedling.
[[Category: horticulture]]
[[Category: plant anatomy]]
[[Category: plant morphology]]