What does the term emergence refer to in botany?

The term emergence in botany primarily refers to the act of germinating seedlings breaking through the soil or the process by which an insect splits its pupal case. This definition encompasses two key aspects: the development and growth of seedlings as they push upward through the soil, indicating their successful transition from seed to seedling, and the emergence of insects from their pupal stage into adulthood, marking a significant phase in their life cycle.

This process is critical in both plant and insect biology as it signifies the start of active growth and the beginning of a new phase of life. For plants, emergence involves the breaking of soil surface by the cotyledons or true leaves, while for insects, it often involves physical changes and the expansion of wings or body as they mature. Understanding emergence is vital for those in agriculture and pest control, as it can influence timing for planting crops or managing pest populations effectively.