seed dormancy

Seed dormancy is a state where a seed does not germinate even when conditions are favorable for plant growth. This prevents seedlings from emerging during unfavorable periods, such as winter, and allows time for dispersal. Dormancy can be broken by various factors, including changes to the seed coat, the embryo's internal state, or external environmental cues.12

Some seeds require specific conditions like chilling, light exposure, or the leaching of germination inhibitors to break dormancy. The seed coat can also play a role by mechanically restricting embryo growth, blocking water entry, or impeding gas exchange. In some cases, dormancy is induced by unfavorable conditions, known as secondary dormancy. However, some plants, like papaya and wheat, have seeds that germinate soon after maturing.13245