Plant Propagation and Nursery Management (1+1)

Introduction

Dormancy is a condition where seeds will not germinate even when the environmental conditions such as water, temperature and air are favourable for germination.

• It is observed that seeds of some fruit plants (mango, citrus) germinate immediately after extraction from the fruit under favourable conditions of moisture, temperature and aeration.
• However, in others (apple, pear, cherry) germination does not take place even under favourable conditions. This phenomenon is called as ‘dormancy’.
• This is an important survival mechanism for some species because these species do not germinate unless adverse climatic conditions end.
• In some species, chilling temperature for certain period helps in the termination of dormancy. Often dormancy is due to several factors and may persist indefinitely unless certain specific treatments are given.