Technical Abstract: Here, we review current techniques, recent advances, and the probable future direction associated with understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in controlling dormancy in vegetative propagules of plants with an emphasis on perennial weeds. A considerable amount of research suggests that lack of growth is due to blockage of cell division resulting from interactions between signaling pathways controlling dormancy and those controlling cell cycle. In plants, these signaling mechanisms are regulated by growth factors (hormones), environment, light, and internal physiological factors. Underground adventitious root buds (UABs) serve as the primary mechanism for perennial weed growth and their dormancy-based survival mechanism makes perennial weeds such as leafy spurge, field bind weed and Canada thistle persistent problems in the U.S. and Canada. Since current control measures have not proven very effective for controlling these problematic weeds, this review suggests possible novel approaches for studying this phenomenon.