Seeds of some plants germinate immediately after shedding from the plants while in other plants they require a period of rest before germination. The later phenomenon is called as dormancy. Give the reasons for seed dormancy and some methods to break it.

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Dormant seeds remain under non-germination conditions only for a specific period of time that may vary from days to years. This specific period is called dormancy period.

Reasons for seed dormancy –

• Impermeable and hard seed coat

• Presence of chemical inhibitors like abscisic acid

• Immature embryo

Methods to break seed dormancy are –

• Washing away of inhibitors due to rain

• Maturation of embryo

• Inactivation of growth inhibitors due to heat or cold treatment.

• Weakening and decomposition of seed coat by microorganisms.