Seed dormancy and germination Pineapple seeds significant due to an impenneable secd coat. They are usually treated with a fungicide and concentrated sulphuric acid to reduce seed dormancy and improve the uniformity of germination. This process is called chemical scarification. Untreated seeds can take up to 10 days to initiate genmination(Purseglove 1972; Filho et al. 1995). Temperatures from 21 to 35oC are used to germinate seeds. Under artificial conditions a seed gennination rate of 80-90% can be achieved. Longevity of hybrid seeds has been estimated to be less than six months in storage in Cote d'Ivoire(Loison-Cabot 1990). However, seeds can be stored for up to 2 years when placed in sealed plastic bags with silica gel at 4-5oC(Loison-Cabot 1987)