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Endogenous dormancy is the most common form of dormancy found in plants. It is caused by factors within the embryo. Dormancy is relieved in this type of dormancy by a variety of means depending on the species.

Treatments include a requirement for dry storage, light or darkness, and warm or chilling stratification.

Types of endogenous dormancy are listed in the table to the right.

  1. Physiological
    Factors within the embryo inhibit germination
    • Nondeep
      Requires brief chilling stratification or a period of dry storage.
    • Intermediate
      Embryo needs chilling stratification, but will grow normally if excised from the seed coat.
    • Deep
      Embryo needs chilling stratification, but embryo will not grow normally if excised.
  2. Morphological
    The embryo is not fully developed at the time the seed sheds from the plant.
  3. Morpho-physiological
    Combination of an underdeveloped embryo and physiological dormancy.