Dormancy In Agriculture and Horticulture

Question 1

In general what do many seeds need in order to break dormancy?

Answer 1

Many seeds need a cold period to break dormancy

Question 2

How does a cold period break dormancy?

2

Answer 2

The cold may cause the breakdown of growth inhibitors

The cold may cause the production of growth promotors such as auxins

Question 3

What special conditions are needed before seeds are planted for agricultural or horticultural use?
(4)

Answer 3

Soaking the seeds in water

Physical damage (e.g. scrapping them with fine sandpaper) to break the testa

Exposing the seeds to light or dark

Exposing the seeds to cold temperatures (e.g. placing them in a fridge)

Question 4

What must the seeds be soaked in before agricultural or horticultural use?

Answer 4

They must be soaked in water

Question 5

Give an example of the physical damage that seeds must undergo before agricultural or horticultural use.

Answer 5

Scrapping them with fine sandpaper to break the testa

Question 6

What must the seeds be exposed to before agricultural or horticultural use?

Answer 6

They must be exposed to light or dark

Question 7

What type of temperature should seeds be exposed to before horticultural or agricultural use?

Answer 7

They must be exposed to cold temperature

Question 8

Give an example of a way seeds can be exposed to cold temperature.

Answer 8

By placing them in a fridge