Factors That Cause Seed Dormancy

Seed dormancy is a state in which seeds do not germinate despite the presence of all of the necessary conditions (temperature, humidity, oxygen, and light). It is caused by hard seed coat impermeability or a lack of supply and activity of the enzymes required for germination. The dormancy of seeds presents a practical problem of considerable economic importance. Plant growers are often interested in securing seed that will germinate soon after it is harvested. To overcome dormancy, organic material is subjected to a variety of physical and chemical pretreatments. Some plant species have both physical and internal dormancy, making it difficult to produce high-frequency healthy seedling growth, despite the fact that seed sprouting and the generation of healthy seedlings is a requirement for plant output. The Chapter is intended to present the basic information on the seed dormancy which would be of relevance to the seed growers and scientists during seed handling process. Seed dormancy is of great concern to scientists therefore it is a research area of interest. All the viable seeds have capacity to germinate if placed under suitable conditions necessary for germination. But some seeds fail to germinate for sometimes even if placed under the condition favorable for germination.