Seed dormancy is a condition in which seeds are prevented from germinating even under environmental conditions normally favorable for germination.
What are the main types of seed dormancy?
The main types of seed dormancy are physiological dormancy, morphological dormancy, and physical dormancy.
How does temperature affect seed dormancy?
Temperature can break seed dormancy by simulating environmental conditions necessary for germination, like stratification or thermoinhibition.
What is physical dormancy in seeds?
Physical dormancy occurs when a seed's hard coat prevents water absorption, which is necessary for germination.
How can physiological dormancy be overcome?
Physiological dormancy can often be overcome by cold stratification or chemical treatments to alter internal conditions conducive to germination.
What role does light play in seed dormancy?
Light can act as a cue for breaking dormancy, especially in seeds sensitive to specific light wavelengths, influencing germination readiness.
What are some adaptations plants have evolved related to seed dormancy?
Plants have adaptations like seed coat hardness, biological inhibitors within seeds, and responsiveness to environmental triggers like fire or temperature changes.
How does seed dormancy benefit plant survival?
Seed dormancy allows seeds to postpone germination until conditions are optimal, increasing chances of successful seedling development.
What is morphological dormancy?
Morphological dormancy refers to seeds that have underdeveloped embryos requiring time or specific conditions to mature before germination.
Can all seeds enter dormancy?
Not all seeds exhibit dormancy; some are non-dormant and can germinate soon after they're dispersed under favorable conditions.
What is seed stratification?
Seed stratification is a process of treating seeds to simulate natural conditions they must experience before germination, often involving temperature manipulation.
How does water availability affect seed dormancy?
Water is essential for germination, and a lack of it can maintain dormancy by inhibiting metabolic processes necessary for seed growth.
What are inhibitors in seed dormancy?
Inhibitors like abscisic acid are chemicals that prevent germination by maintaining dormancy until broken down or diluted by external conditions.
How does fire influence some seed dormancies?
Fire can break seed dormancy by cracking hard seed coats or through chemical changes in the soil, promoting germination in fire-adapted species.
What is the ecological significance of seed dormancy?
Seed dormancy promotes biodiversity by enabling species survival through varying climate conditions, ensuring species persistence across temporal and environmental scales.