Seed germination: influence of non-traditional regulating factors

Abstract

Seed germination is a strictly regulated, multistage, and complex process in which a seed matures into a plant through a series of processes. Dormancy is defined as the inability of a viable seed to reach maturity. A seed can enter dormancy at any point in its development if it is still in the mother plant (primary dormancy) or if it is released because of environmental conditions (secondary dormancy). Germination is determined by a myriad of factors, such as agronomic (type of mother plant and growing conditions), chemical (nutrients), environmental (biotic and abiotic, including extreme conditions), molecular (genes), and physiological (hormones) factors. The authors propose the involvement of ‘X-factors,’ which are currently unknown, in shaping seed fate. Despite many efforts in plant neurobiology, studies on consciousness remain elusive. This article aims to put forth constructive suggestions and instigate future work on seed (or plant) cognition and consciousness, emphasizing the involvement of X-factors rather than arguing about the topic. The authors propose the involvement of ‘X-factors, ’ which are currently unknown, in shaping seed fate. This review article addresses the factors that influence germination and highlights the consciousness and X-factors of seeds and plants.