Seed dormancy its alleviation and importance in agriculture

Abstract

Many seeds do not germinate when placed under conducive conditions for germination viz., optimum temperature, moisture, oxygen. However, seeds can be shown to be viable, as they can be induced to germinate by various special artificial treatments, or under special external conditions. Such seeds are said to be dormant, or to be said in a state of dormancy. Plants with a long history of domestication generally show less dormancy than wild or recently domesticated species. When domesticated species exhibit dormancy, they become a problem to the communities involved in seed occupation. However, a degree of dormancy in certain crops is desirable since it prevents pre-harvest germination and helps in the maintaining seed quality. Though, dormancy may be cause seeds of numerous species to maintaining ungerminated in the soil for many years. This explains the presence of unwanted crop plants or weeds in fields that are cultivated regularly and maintain seed quality. Nevertheless, dormancy may cause seeds of numerous species to remain ungerminated in the soil for many years. This explains the presence of unwanted crop plants or weeds in field that are cultivated regularly.