In seed storage, the most crucial factor is:

Dehydration and dormancy are the most crucial factors.

The correct answer is Option (3): Dehydration and dormancy are the most crucial factors.

Dehydration and dormancy play critical roles in seed storage. Dehydration refers to the process of reducing the water content within the seed. This is crucial because when there is less water available, the enzymes present in the seed are unable to function properly. Without the necessary enzymatic activity, the seed cannot undergo the process of germination. In other words, dehydration prevents the seed from initiating the germination process.

Dormancy, on the other hand, is a period during which the seed remains in an inactive state and is unable to grow. This can be due to various factors such as an underdeveloped or inactive embryo, or the absence of other necessary conditions required for growth, including specific environmental cues like light or temperature. Dormancy serves as a protective mechanism for the seed, allowing it to remain viable and capable of germination even under unfavorable conditions.

During the dormant period, the seed may be resistant to germination signals and requires specific triggers or a specific length of time to break dormancy. This could be achieved through exposure to certain environmental factors, such as changes in temperature, moisture, or light, or even the passage of time.

In summary, dehydration prevents seed germination by inhibiting the activity of seed enzymes, while dormancy refers to a period of inactivity during which the seed is unable to grow due to the inactive state of the embryo or the lack of necessary conditions for growth. Both dehydration and dormancy are crucial for seed storage, allowing seeds to remain viable for extended periods until suitable conditions for germination are present.