Seed Dormancy
Seed dormancy is really a natural ‘survival factor’ throughout many varieties of plant. Under ‘natural conditions’ the dormancy of cannabis seeds is very normal. The “over-wintering” of seed will be a naturally occurring phenomenon. Which is, when under dormancy (even where perfect germination conditions exist) a seed is not going to germinate! Under “artificial conditions” cultivated plants often display lower levels of dormancy. The seed of cultivated plants, specially those useful for food, have an unnaturally shallow dormancy period. The ‘survival factor’ has quite literally been bred away from popular cultivar to make sure a homogeneous crop/harvest.
There are three different types of seed dormancy – Exogenous Dormancy (external), Endogenous Dormancy (internal), and Combined Dormancy (external and/or internal):
Exogenous Dormancy is governed by the external covering with the seed itself (the seed coat). With Cannabis the seeds coat is pretty thick. The seed is slowly permeable to water by way of a fissure line within the shell. This mechanical resistance inhibits dormancy. A period of warmth, accompanied by a time period of cold usually encourages germination of cannabis.
Endogenous Dormancy involves the internal development of the seed embryo (both morphological and physiological). Whilst internal seed morphology is aided by ‘warm stratification’, both small and immature embryos are always seen in combination with another type of dormancy (mostly physiological). Physiological endogenous dormancy is regarded as the common type of dormancy found in nature. An inhibitor inside the embryo and/or an incomplete chain of chemical reactions imposes dormancy. Annual species such Cannabis experiences a relatively ‘shallow dormancy’ period. Shallow dormancy may be overcome by “after ripening” (drying seed). A time of ‘cold stratification’ is then needed in order for physiological dormancy being complete. Growers use cold-rooms and refrigerators for this reason.
Combination Dormancy is displayed when various kinds dormancy (often internal and external) are displayed inside the same seed. This could involve exogenous dormancy (a seed coat), coupled alongside endogenous morphological resistance (embryo development), alongside physiological dormancy (a shallow inhibitor), all within the same seed structure. Cannabis seed display ‘combination dormancy’. The underdeveloped embryos MUST first develop into their full size a duration of ‘warm stratification’ before a period of ‘cold stratification’ can be effective.The best way to test degrees of ‘seed dormancy’ against amounts of ‘seed viability’ would be to enjoy seeds. Try keeping collectives of marijuana cannabis seeds under different conditions (dry, wet, hot, cold…). Then sow each seed group into separate trays of soil. Place each tray in to a contrasting environment (dry, wet, hot, cold…) make note and record the results.
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