Seed Technology Information

Many seeds are dormant, meaning the viable seed is conditioned by nature to prevent germination. By simulating key conditions of the natural environment that these seeds would be in, dormancy can be broken and the seeds can be induced to germinate. This is called stratification.

Stratification is a pre-germination treatment used to break dormancy in seeds and to promote rapid, uniform germination. This is accomplished by exposing seed for a specified time to moisture at near freezing temperatures, sometimes with preceding exposure to moisture at room temperature.

Dormancy is a state that prevents germination under environmental conditions favourable for growth.

A manual entitled Guidelines for Seed Pretreatment is available for a more in-depth explanation of seed pre-treatment.