Glossary

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Dormancy

In plants: seed dormancy

Dormancy, also called primary dormancy, in seeds is a state during which no germination takes place, even if the environmental conditions are favourable for germination. The presence of a certain level of primary dormancy is an important trait in modern oilseed rape varieties. It prevents premature germination of ripe seeds inside the pods before harvesting. By contrast, sown rape seeds usually germinate without delay.

However, unfavourable environmental conditions can interrupt the germination process, triggering secondary dormancy, e.g. if rape seeds in the soil are exposed to drought stress in the absence of light.