Temperature-mediated changes in the force balance of the micropylar region adjust overcoming of dormancy to seasonality in diaspores of the Neotropical palm <i>Butia capitata</i>

Temperature plays a crucial role in overcoming seed dormancy. The thermal regime occurring at the transition between the dry and rainy seasons promotes dormancy overcoming, synchronizing germination with ecological windows of opportunity for seedling establishment, during the wet season. These results broaden our understanding of the mechanisms involved in overcoming seed dormancy in palms and other species with woody, indehiscent endocarps, especially those from seasonal environments.