In the nature, the seeds have a relative dormancy leading to very long germination process (1 to 3 years).
In order to improve oil palm production, research aiming at the reduction of the dormancy period was initiated.
The germination tests carried on seeds stored for different periods after harvest, showed a germination percentage of fresh seeds (not stored) significantly higher (55.39%) than that of seeds stored for 3 months (45.78%) and 6 months (38.68%).