Seed dormancy

Dormancy in a seed is the period in which all the physiological activities in the seed are at stand still (point of rest). The following method maybe used to induce, break or stimulate germination of a seed.

• Inhibitory chemical which is located just below the testa maybe washed out by soaking it in water. Cold temperature causes similar breakage of the seed dormancy.
• Physical methods can be used by the means of applying sand paper or chemical. Treatment with suphuric acid collectively which is known as scarification, can then break down the seed coat and thereafter the dormancy period.
• Spring soil cultivation can break the seed coat and induce germination of weed seed.
• Potassium nitrate: The seeds are moist with solution of potassium nitrate prepared by dissolving 2gm in a liter at the beginning of the test but water is then used for moisturing it thereafter.
• Pre-drying: In pre-drying, the seeds should be heated at a temperature which does not exceed 40⁰c with free air circulation for a period of seven days before they are placed under germination condition.
• Pre-chilling: The seeds are moistened in pre-chilling and kept at low temperature for initial period before they are removed to temperature that is below 10⁰c for seven days. In some cases it may be necessary to extend the pre-chilling period.
• Pre-washing: This is when germination is affected by naturally occurring substance in the seed, which act as an inhibition, it maybe by soaking and washing in water before the germination test is made.