Question

Mechanical injuring of seed coat to break dormancy is called

• A. Scarification
• B. Startification
• C. Impaction
• D. Compaction

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Scarification

Artificial breaking of seed dormancy:

1. Scarification: Hard, impermeable seed coat is weakened or ruptured by filing, chip­ping, hot water and chemicals.

2. Stratification: Seeds are moistened and exposed to oxygen for variable period at low or high temperature.

3. Counteracting inhibitors: Inhibitors are destroyed by dipping seeds in KNO₃, thiourea, ethylene chlorohydrin and gibberellin.

4. Shaking and pressure: Vigorous shaking and hydraulic pressure are used to weaken seed coats.

So, the correct answer is ‘Scarification’.