Question

What do you understand by seed dormancy?

Answer 1

Seed dormancy is a state seen in plants in which seeds are prevented from germinating even under favourable environmental conditions. There are various reasons for the development of seed dormancy. The hard seed coat is impermeable to water, gases. This prevents germination of seeds. Seeds with small and immature embryos also do not germinate. Plant hormones like abscisic acid (ABA) induces seed dormancy. However, gibberellin hormone breaks seed dormancy.