Citation
Seed dormancy and the control of germination
TL;DR
Dormancy involves multiple interacting mechanisms (physical, chemical, developmental)
This comprehensive review synthesizes molecular, physiological, and ecological perspectives on seed dormancy. It explains how dormancy mechanisms act as 'gates' that must be passed before germination can proceed - directly informing the Three-Gate Germination Audit framework.
The paper's treatment of how environmental signals are integrated to make the germination decision provides the biological foundation for understanding startup launch timing as a multi-signal decision process.
Key Findings from Finch-Savage & Leubner-Metzger (2006)
- Dormancy involves multiple interacting mechanisms (physical, chemical, developmental)
- Environmental signals are integrated to time germination appropriately
- Dormancy release often requires sequential exposure to different conditions
- Germination is an irreversible commitment once radicle emergence occurs