What does the term "seedling" refer to?

The term "seedling" specifically refers to a small new plant that is in the early stages of development, originating from a germinated seed. At this stage, the plant is typically still growing and developing its stem, leaves, and root system. These characteristics help it transition into a mature plant as it continues to photosynthesize and establish itself in the environment.

In contrast, the other options describe different phases or types of plants. A fully grown plant that is ready to flower represents a later stage of development, while a stage before seeds are formed pertains to a reproductive phase, and a type of bud refers to an undeveloped part of a plant before it blooms. Understanding the specific definition of "seedling" is crucial for recognizing the various stages of a plant's life cycle and how they interact within agricultural practices.