endodormante

Endodormante (endodormancy in English) is a physiological state in which growth and development are inhibited by internal factors, so that reproduction or germination cannot resume even under favorable external conditions. This form of dormancy is commonly observed in seeds, flower buds, and storage organs such as tubers or bulbs.

In plants, dormancy is typically categorized as endodormancy (internal control) and ecodormancy (external environmental control). Endodormancy persists until internal signals decline or are altered, whereas ecodormancy ends only when environmental conditions become suitable. Endodormancy is often associated with hormonal balance, particularly high levels of abscisic acid (ABA) relative to growth-promoting hormones, and can involve changes in gene expression and metabolism.

Release from endodormancy usually requires specific cues. For seeds, after-ripening, stratification (seasonal chilling with moisture), or scarification can overcome internal inhibition. For buds and other organs, a period of chilling or exposure to certain photoperiods may be necessary to reset hormonal states and enable resumed growth. The duration and intensity of these cues vary by species and ecological adaptation.

Applications and significance include the scheduling of germination, flowering, and harvest in agriculture and horticulture, as well as breeding programs aimed at adjusting chill or stratification requirements to regional climates. Understanding endodormancy helps manage crop uniformity and performance in temperate zones.

Related concepts include paradormancy and ecodormancy, as well as vernalization, which refers to the cold-triggered acceleration of flowering in some species.