The ultimate purpose of seeds is to sustain species and to create progeny. In order to assure
proper germination of this DNA delivery system, plants have evolved a variety of techniques.
For seed plants to survive and grow, proper seed germination distribution in both time and
space is essential. The form of seeds and fruits typically regulates the spatial distribution of
germination, which facilitates the dispersal of the offspring from the maternal habitat. In
contrast, the physiological state of the seeds mostly determines the temporal distribution of
germination. Each seed in a population has a varied physiological status, which enables each
seed to germinate at a separate time. This is an important strategy for seeds to avoid
competing with their siblings or destroying the entire population due to a terrible situation.
Plants have developed seed dormancy, which temporarily suppresses germination in
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germination-favorable conditions. Induction of seed dormancy during the maturation stage
and its release in a dry condition after a set amount of time, known as "after-ripening," are
frequent phenomena seen in a variety of seed plant species. Both a general mechanism
governing seed dormancy and species-specific regulatory variations may exist.
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2.0 Genetic of seed dormancy
The complex feature of seed dormancy is influenced by numerous genetic factors. The
genetic control of seed dormancy involves both activation and inhibition of specific genes at
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various phases of seed development and germination. A number of genes and genetic
pathways have been identified to play a role in regulating seed dormancy. The hormone
abscisic acid (ABA) is a major genetic element in seed dormancy. ABA is essential for
preserving seed dormancy and avoiding early germination. Seed dormancy is influenced by
genes that function in ABA production, signalling, and response pathways. Changes in seed
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dormancy can come from mutations in these genes, which can modify ABA levels or ABA
signalling (Finkelstein et al., 2008). The Delay Of Germination (DOG) genes are a significant
genetic factor in seed dormancy. These genes control both the depth and the duration of seed
dormancy as well as the timing of seed germination. The DOG gene family contains
transcription factors that regulate the expression of other dormant-related genes. Genes linked
to the formation and development of the seed coat are among the additional genetic elements
that contribute to seed dormancy. Physical and chemical barriers present in the seed coat
could prevent germination and water absorption. Lignin, suberin, and other structural proteins
are produced by genes that control the synthesis of the dormancy enforced by the seed coat.
Furthermore, environmental cues like temperature and light can affect a seed's dormancy by
altering the way that some genes are expressed. The depth and release of seed dormancy are
controlled by genetic and environmental variables in interaction. It is crucial to remember
that there are still many unknown genes and biological processes involved in the complex
property of seed dormancy, and that genetic control of this trait is still not fully understood.
The genetic basis of seed dormancy in different plant species are being better understood