The results of these experiments showed that R. capitata
seeds were in a dormant state and softening the seed
coat by soaking concentrated H2SO4, HCl, and HNO3
signifiantly increased seed germination. Mechanical
scarifiation has also been shown as the best method to
overcome this coat-imposed dormancy. Seed coat was the
major barrier to Rhynchosia capitata seed germination
since the treatments that induce germination were those
that can break the seed coat