Without germinating the seed it is fairly difficult to see if the seed is alive. One method is x-rays, expensive and not very practical.

The second method is easy, but not 100% reliable; this is to put the seeds into water. If the seed sinks then it still contains an embryo and is viable, normally if the embryo is dead, it will dry up leaving a cavity within the seed - in which case the seed floats.

There are obviously exceptions such as water dispersed seeds - like the coconut which are "designed" to float

Nwakibie trusts Okonkwo with his seed yams because Okonkwo has proven himself to be a hardworking and successful farmer who takes pride in his work ethic. Additionally, Okonkwo has a reputation for being reliable and trustworthy in the community, which further strengthens Nwakibie's confidence in him to care for the valuable seed yams.

John Deere is a very reliable manufacturer. I have used John Deere my whole life and never had a regret. Here is a link that might help you make your descion: http://www.deere.com/en_INT/ag_equipment/sprayers/index.html

Apples are best from named cultivars produced from a reliable nurseryman. If you grow from seed it takes a long time and probably will not produce worthwhile fruit.

There are no apples in a seed only the potential to grow a tree that given the right conditions and care may one day produce fruit. Most fruit trees are now grafted onto hardy stock with cuttings from a reliable tree.