Given below are two statements: Statement I: Seed dormancy caused by an impermeable and hard seed coat can be effectively removed by the application of chemical treatments like nitrates. Statement II: The effect of endogenous inhibitory substances like para-ascorbic acid can be removed by subjecting the seeds to chilling conditions. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the opt

Step-by-step solution

Statement I is incorrect because seed dormancy caused by an impermeable and hard seed coat is overcome by mechanical abrasions (using knives, sandpaper, vigorous shaking) or by microbial action in nature. Nitrates are chemical treatments used to overcome dormancy caused by inhibitory substances. Statement II is correct because the effect of endogenous inhibitory substances (like abscisic acid, phenolic acids, and para-ascorbic acid) can be removed by subjecting the seeds to chilling conditions or by the application