Seed dormancy is the stage in which the seed undergo resting phase. The embryo of the seed stop the growth and it comes to a dormant stage. During the dormancy the seed loss the water content and all the metabolic activity will cease down. The seed coat also becomes impermeable to water and oxygen. The seed dormancy is due to the action of hormone abscisic acid.
The inability of the mature viable seed to germinate under conditions of favorable temperature, moisture, light etc. is known as the seed dormancy or resting stage.