Stratification involves the treatment of seed at low temperature (5-10^oC) under sufficiently moist conditions to break its dormancy and to induce germination. Stratification is a process by which seeds are pretreated to simulated winter conditions so that germination may occur. Low temperature given to plant to induce flowering is called vernalisation. The degradation of the seed coat is called scarification. This process permits water to pass through the sead coat so that embryo can begin metabolism.