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The processes that must be undergone by certain seeds after harvest before germination can take place. Although the embryo appears fully mature the seed remains dormant until the after-ripening period is completed. It has been suggested that after-ripening involves the breakdown of some growth inhibitor or the formation of a growth-promoting substance. However since after-ripening processes often occur in dry seeds, in which metabolic activity is very low, it would appear that the changes are not necessarily metabolic in nature. An after-ripening requirement is exhibited by many cereals and grasses and prevents the seed from germinating in the ear under moist conditions.
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