Understanding Seed Dormancy Failure

The inability of fresh seeds to germinate, even when environmental conditions like water, temperature, and oxygen are suitable, is a specific type of seed dormancy.

Defining Primary Dormancy

Primary dormancy is an innate characteristic of the seed at the time of its dispersal. The seed inherently prevents germination until specific internal or external conditions are met, regardless of favourable external factors.

Analyzing Other Dormancy Types

• Secondary dormancy: Occurs when a viable seed that could germinate under favourable conditions becomes dormant due to a prior inability to germinate (e.g., unfavorable conditions after sowing).
• Enforced dormancy: Occurs when germination is *prevented* solely by unfavorable environmental conditions external to the seed, not by an internal dormancy mechanism. The seed is viable but cannot germinate due to the environment.
• Induced dormancy: Dormancy that develops after the seed has been dispersed, often triggered by specific environmental cues that cause a non-dormant seed to become dormant.

The question specifies "fresh seed" failing "even under favourable weather conditions," directly aligning with the definition of primary dormancy.