Are We Misclassifying Seed Dormancy? Plants Might Be Smarter Than We Think! скачать в хорошем качестве

Are We Misclassifying Seed Dormancy? Plants Might Be Smarter Than We Think!

In seed science, germination is typically defined as radicle emergence of 2 mm from the dispersal unit. Most researchers stop observations at this stage, assuming the seed has germinated. However, this approach often overlooks epicotyl dormancy, leading to misclassification or failure to detect it altogether. In this video, we introduce the concept of “full germination”, where germination studies are extended to the point of first true leaf emergence. Our methodology involves germinating fully matured, freshly collected seeds and categorizing them based on radicle emergence timing: Viviparous – seeds germinate prematurely while still attached to the parent or within the fruit. Morphological dormancy (MD) / Non-dormant (ND) – seeds germinate within 30 days. Physiological dormancy (PD) / Morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) – seeds that do not germinate within 30 days. If the shoot does not emerge within 30 days after radicle protrusion, epicotyl dormancy is indicated. This means seeds initially classified as ND, MD, or viviparous may be miscategorized, and PD or MPD seeds may have an additional epicotyl dormancy component. By monitoring seeds until first leaf emergence, we can ensure accurate dormancy classification, better understand plant life cycles, and reveal important ecological adaptations. For more details, download the fully open-access manuscript: From oversight to insight: integrating epicotyl emergence to redefine germination and enhance the seed dormancy framework. Seed Science Research 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0960258525100007