Some authors suggested that independent of the reasons that lead to dormancy this process could offer some advantages, since it would permit the standardization of the deve-
lopment of differentiated buds in different periods (Cannell 1983). Nevertheless, one should still consider that dormancy may present genetic influence as is observed in hydroponic or constantly irrigated plants. Certainly, despite some controversy about this issue (Barros et al. 1978), the reason and mechanisms governing coffee dormancy are still unknown.