Radicle
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In botany, the radicle is the first part of a seedling to emerge from the seed, during the process of germination. <ref name=FreeWatters>Template:Cite web</ref> Germination understood as a biomechanical process describes the radicle with the hypocotyl combined as the embryonic axis in the seed. <ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The radicle emerges from a seed through the micropyle.
The emergence of the radicle is either the end or terminal part <ref>Template:Cite book</ref> (2nd of 2 phases <ref>Template:Cite book</ref> (or) 3rd of 3 phases <ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>) or the 5th of 9 stages <ref name=FerreiraMartinsCosta>Template:Cite journal</ref>Template:Efn of germinating.
The radicle is the embryonic root of the plant, <ref name=FreeWatters/> and grows downward in the soil <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> (positive geotropism). <ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The radicle absorbs water and nutrients from the soil <ref>Template:Cite web Template:Web archive</ref>
Radicles 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 pre-emergence damping off. This disease appears on the radicle as darkened spots. Eventually, it causes death of the seedling.
In 1880, Charles Darwin published a book about plants he had studied, The Power of Movement in Plants, where he mentions the radicle. Template:Quote