Seed dormancy

Seed dormancy is an evolutionary mechanism that prevents germination during inappropriate environmental periods. For agricultural practices, it is crucial to determine if the seed lot has completed its dormancy period to ensure uniform emergence and optimal stand density.

Farmers manage this state using techniques such as stratification, mechanical scarification, or chemical treatment with growth promoters. A common mistake is sowing seeds too soon after harvest without checking for physiological maturity, which often leads to poor field performance and inconsistent crop establishment.