Dormancy and Germination A. Seed dormancy 1. Timing is important for successful establishment and for the ability of mature plants to set seed before the end of the season. Differences in genetic and physiological factors result in different dormancy levels and the responsiveness to germination stimuli. Germination occurs over a broader temp range 4. B. Longevity 1.
Seeds buried in the soil have less longevity than under dry storage conditions a.
In the soil seeds can be consumed by herbivores or pathogens. May senesce and decay. Weedy amaranth species usually have prolonged seed dormancy. Seeds of A. blitoides , A. gracizans , and A. retroflexus germinated after six years of burial. C. Germination 1.