Question

Mention the factors causing dormancy of seeds.

Answer 1

• Hard, tough seed coat causes barrier effect as impermeability of water, gas and restriction of the expansion of embryo prevents seed germination.
• Many species of seeds produce imperfectly developed embryos called rudimentary embryos which promotes dormancy.
• Lack of specific light requirement leads to seed dormancy.
• A range of temperatures either higher or lower cause dormancy.
• The presence of inhibitors like phenolic compounds which inhibits seed germination cause dormancy.