To scratch or cut the skin of; esp. (Med.), to make small incisions in, by means of a lancet or scarificator, so as to draw blood from the smaller vessels without opening a large vein.
Nick or break seed coat slightly with a small file or scissors in order to facilitate the entrance of water into the seed. This will help to start the germination process.
(See Sacred Datura) To cut or soften the outer layer of a hard seed to hasten germination.
scratch the surface of; "scarify seeds"
To scratch the outer shell of a seed to encourage germination.
Scratching of the seed coat to facilitate germination.
To break up a forest floor and/or top-soil preparatory to natural regeneration or direct sowing. See Soil wounding To wear down by abrasion or by acid treatment an outer, more or less impervious seed coat, in order to assist or hasten germination. ( BCFT).
To prepare a seed for planting by cutting or nicking the outer layer.
To superficially wound the seed coat (often facilitates germination).