Seed Storage and Dormancy

These flashcards cover key concepts related to seed biology, dormancy types, and factors affecting seed viability based on the provided lecture notes.

Seed morphology

The physical structure and form of seeds, affecting their water absorption, metabolic activity, and storage.

Chemical composition

The makeup of seeds, which influences their longevity in storage, especially between oily and starchy seeds.

Seed maturity

The developmental stage of seeds upon harvesting; immature seeds have lower keeping quality.

Seed dormancy

A survival mechanism where seeds fail to germinate under favorable conditions, often due to internal or external factors.

Exogenous dormancy

Dormancy caused by external factors affecting the seed, such as a hard seed coat that prevents water and air absorption.

Physical dormancy

A type of exogenous dormancy where a hard seed coat restricts water absorption and air diffusion, preventing germination.

Chemical dormancy

Dormancy caused by chemical inhibitors within the seed or surrounding fruit, which can be alleviated through leaching.

Endogenous dormancy

Dormancy related to the internal development of the seed embryo, influenced by physiological factors.

Physiological dormancy (PD)

A type of endogenous dormancy characterized by inhibitory mechanisms in the seed that can vary in strength.

Scarification

A method to break dormancy by physically abrading or breaking the seed coat to facilitate water uptake.

Cold stratification

A pre-germination treatment exposing seeds to cold temperatures to mimic winter, aiding in breaking dormancy.

Warm stratification

A treatment that mimics summer conditions to effectively break physiological and morphological dormancy.

Priming

A seed treatment that helps reduce the germination requirements related to light and temperature.

Moisture content

The amount of water present in seeds, a critical factor that influences their longevity and metabolic rate.

Temperature for storage

The ideal storage conditions for seeds; typically lower temperatures extend the storage life.

Dormancy types

Dormancy can be classified into exogenous (external factors) and endogenous (internal factors) types.

Double dormancy

A condition where two types of dormancy, such as morphological and physiological, co-exist in a seed.

Leaching

The process of washing away inhibitory chemicals from seeds to facilitate germination.