By definition, something is said to be latent when it exists and capable of
developing but not yet visible, obvious or active. When you put a grain
or seed into the soil, the first few
days, weeks, months or even years are period of intense activities
(metabolism) within the seed. These activities necessary for germination and
growth though not visible to the external environment. That's the latent
phase. I'm not a farmer, but am sure the the seedling takes root first before
putting forth its shoot and finally starts producing fruits. Note the
sequence. Most times, the longer it takes to germinate, the deeper the
root. And the deeper the root, the stronger ( and may be longer) the
shoot. And most times, the stronger the shoot the longer the life span.
