Question

What is the importance of seed dormancy?

Answer 1

Hint:
Dormancy is the condition in which there is a lack of germination in seeds even though the required conditions such as temperature, oxygen, humidity, and light are provided. Dormancy can be due to the hard seed coat, impermeability, or the lack of supply and activity of enzymes essential for germination.

Complete step by step answer:
Dormancy is a stage in the seed life cycle during which its growth, development, and many other activities are momentarily stopped. Dormancy is important for some plants because dormancy induced by the inhibitors in the seed coats is highly beneficial to desert plants. It helps in the dispersion of the seeds through unfavourable conditions. Dormancy helps in the storage of seeds for later use.
Dormancy keeps the seeds without any harm during cold or summer temperatures and even under drought conditions. Dormancy allows seeds to remain alive in the soil for many years and provides a continuous source of new plants, even when all the grown plants in the area have died due to natural catastrophes. It prevents the germination of seeds in the field during production. It contributes to the long life of the species. Because of dormancy, we can consume the crop as a food material. It helps in the creation of a seed bank.

Note:
Dormancy can be classified into three types such as induced dormancy, innate dormancy, and enforced dormancy. When a seed has ingested water but is placed in unfavourable conditions for germination, it enters induced dormancy. Innate Dormancy is the condition that is unfit for germinating, despite the presence of conditions fit for the growth of the seedling. Enforced Dormancy is the state of seeds that are incapable to germinate because of many environmental conditions such as a lack of proper light, moisture, oxygen, and temperature.