We cover dormancy in our advanced training, currently offered through our Seed to Forest Carbon Accelerator program. Seed dormancy is complex, and reviewing the major categories of dormancy requires its own learning module. We cover some of the major categories of techniques, such as scarification, after-ripening, temperature stratification, water treatments, and chemical treatments. We also want to give as much practical, applicable knowledge as possible, but there are hundreds of potential techniques or treatments for overcoming seed dormancy, many which may be unique to certain regions. Therefore, we also collaborate with local experts, in the regions where we partner with restoration organizations, to improve our training effectiveness.
Why isn’t seed dormancy covered in TFA’s online seed banking course?
We recommend the book Seeds: Ecology, Biogeography, and Evolution of Dormancy and Germination, by Carol Baskin and Jerry Baskin, as the most comprehensive resource on seed dormancy types in species around the world (which may also be available at a library, university, or botanical garden near you). You can also contact us if you have any specific questions on seed dormancy.