While there are factors that make seeds "more dormant" I don't know of any
natural
digestive acids or enzymes that have this effect, either.
Steve
Kathleen Archer wrote:
> Dear Plant Folks,
> I was asked the following question by our animal physiologist, and I pose
> the question to you.
>> "I have a question about seed dispersal by vertebrate vectors. I know that
> passage through the digestive system is, for some species, necessary to
> break dormancy... that is, it enhances their sproutability. I'm wondering
> if the digestive enzymes or low pH ever induces seeds to
> into a more dormant state while still keeping them viable.
>> If a seed is dispersed to an unknown, unpredictable environment via the
> digestive system of animal, it may make sense for the seed to be in a
> dormant state, more protected from dessication and mechanical insult. The
> chemical environment of the vector could then serve as a cue to "hunker
> down" in preparation for an unpredictable environment at the other end.
>> Do seeds ever respond this way?"
>> I have never heard of an example of this, but thought someone out there
> might know if such a thing exists.
>> Kathleen Archer
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