An inactive phase often exhibited by seeds, spores, and buds, during which growth and developmental processes are deferred. It may be a means of surviving adverse environmental conditions, as in the formation of dormant perennating buds and the dormant resting spores of certain bacteria, fungi, and algae. However seeds often exhibit dormancy despite prevailing favourable conditions, in which case it may serve to give the seed time to mature fully. Seed dormancy may be broken in various ways, including the gradual degradation of an impervious * testa or the progressive destruction of growth inhibiting substances such as coumarin, sometimes found in the seed coat. Seed or bud dormancy may also be broken by a specific light treatment. See also after-ripening. |
