To establish a role for PGRs in the germination of forest tree seeds, it must be demonstrated that PGRs are involved in the mechanisms that control the induction of and release from dormancy, and also that these mechanisms are operative in the seeds of woody plants . Four currently known concepts of seed dormancy are reviewed, citing the published evidence relating PGRs to tree seed germination . The germination of tree seeds appears to be controlled by a variety of external and internal factors . PGRs figure prominently among these factors, but the range of mechanisms by which such control is mediated may vary considerably--from physical to metabolic. Although significant support can be found for PGR involvement in the regulation of angiosperm seed dormancy, the evidence for gymnosperms is still inconclusive . This is primarily because our understanding of the control of germination--by PGRs or other means--is generally unsatisfactory . However, recent advancements in PGR technology, together with a more holistic concept of PGR action in biological systems, signal a more favourable climate and a revitalized approach to the investigation of the role of PGRs in plant growth and development.