Introduction

• Seed dormancy is defined as the inactive period of seed embryo, during which growth slows or is completely ceased. During dormant period the growth of the seeds remains suspended and they are said to be in rest stage and this phenomenon is known as dormancy of seeds.
• The phenomenon of dormancy is not unique to seeds but is found in other plant organs like buds, in woody and herbaceous plants where apical meristem is inhibited and in case of buds of tubers, rhizomes, where the growth is reduced or ceased for some time.
• Similarly, the dormancy is also found in other organisms like bacteria, fungi, insects, reptiles which also undergo a period of reduced metabolic activity and the term dormancy is used to denote such condition.
• Dormancy can be defined as an arrest in the development of rudimentary embryo, buds or spores on a condition otherwise suitable for growth.

Purpose of dormancy

• Enables to endure periods of unfavorable environment providing a mechanism to survive.
• Protects seeds from vivipary.
• Offers provision for dispersal by various modifications of seed covering.