At which plant growth stage do seeds become inactive and energy production decreases?

The correct answer is maturity, as this stage represents the point in a plant's life cycle where seeds are fully developed and the plant has completed its growth process. During maturity, the energy production within the plant shifts significantly. This is when the focus transitions from growth and development to the completion of the reproductive phase.

At this stage, the seeds become inactive in terms of germination potential and energy requirements decrease as the plant prepares for dormancy or dispersal of seeds. The physiological processes that were previously focused on growth and energy production are now directed towards ensuring the seeds are viable for the next growing season.

In contrast, during earlier stages such as spike, budding, and bloom, the plant is actively growing, increasing its energy production to support the development of flowers or spikes, which are crucial for reproduction. Understanding this transition to maturity is essential for managing growth and ensuring successful plant reproduction and seed viability.