scholarly journals Effect of Environmental Factors on Seed Germination and Early Seedling Emergence of Carolina geranium (Geranium carolinianum)

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. LIU ◽  
T. ZONG ◽  
Y. LI ◽  
X. ZHOU ◽  
L. BAI

ABSTRACT: Carolina geranium (Geranium carolinianum) is an emerging invasive weed in rape and wheat fields in China. A better understanding of its germination and emergence ecology will enable the development of integrated weed control strategies. In this study, we investigated the effects of temperature, photoperiod, soil water content, salinity, and burial depth, on germination and emergence of Carolina geranium. Germination percentages were over 74% under 15/20 and 20/25 oC night/day temperature regimes. Germination rate was independent of light/dark regime. Increasing salinity reduced germination of Carolina geranium from 81.1% at 0 mM to 0% at 160 mM NaCl. Seeds germination was peaked at 50% soil moisture, but was completely inhibited at < 20% and > 90%. The seedling emergence above 82.2% was observed when seeds were placed at a depth from 0 to 1 cm, and no seedlings emerged from seeds placed at a depth of 7 cm. Current work provide the basic information to effectively prevent and control this invasive weed in Chinese rape and wheat fields.

Weed Science ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning Zhao ◽  
Qi Li ◽  
Wenlei Guo ◽  
Lele Zhang ◽  
Lu’an Ge ◽  
...  

Shortawn foxtail is an invasive grass weed infesting winter wheat and canola production in China. A better understanding of the germination ecology of shortawn foxtail would help to develop better control strategies for this weed. Experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions to evaluate the effects of various abiotic factors, including temperature, light, pH, osmotic stress, salt concentration, and planting depth, on seed germination and seedling emergence of shortawn foxtail. The results showed that the seed germination rate was greater than 90% over a wide range of constant (5 to 25C) and alternating (15/5 to 35/25C) temperatures. Maximum germination occurred at 20C or 25/15C, and no germination occurred at 35C. Light did not appear to have any effect on seed germination. Shortawn foxtail germination was 27% to 99% over a pH range of 4 to 10, and higher germination was obtained at alkaline pH values ranging from 7 to 10. Seed germination was sensitive to osmotic potential and completely inhibited at an osmotic potential of −0.6 MPa, but it was tolerant to salinity: germination even occurred at 200 mM NaCl (5%). Seedling emergence was highest (98%) when seeds were placed on the soil surface but declined with the increasing burial depth. No seedlings emerged when seeds were buried 6-cm deep. Deep tillage could be an effective measure to limit seed germination from increased burial depth. The results of this study will lead to a better understanding of the requirements for shortawn foxtail germination and emergence and will provide information that could contribute to its control.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
RC. XIONG ◽  
Y. MA ◽  
HW. WU ◽  
WL. JIANG ◽  
XY. MA

ABSTRACT: Velvetleaf, an annual broadleaf weed, is a common and troublesome weed of cropping systems worldwide. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of environmental factors on germination and emergence of velvetleaf. Seeds germinated over a range of constant temperatures from 10 to 40 oC regardless of light conditions, but no germination occurred at temperature below 5 oC and beyond 50 oC. Seeds germinated at alternating temperature regimes of 15/5 to 40/30 oC, with maximum germination (>90%) at alternating temperatures of 40/30 oC. Germination was sensitive to water stress, and only 0.4% of the seeds germinated at the osmotic potential of -0.4 MPa. There was no germination at ? 0.6 MPa. Moreover, germination was reduced by saline and alkaline stresses and no germination occurred at ³ 150 mM NaCl or ³ 200 mM NaHCO3 concentrations. However, pH values from 5 to 9 had no effect on seed germination. Seedling emergence was significantly affected by burial depth and maximum emergence (78.1-85.6%) occurred at the 1-4 cm depth. The results of this study have contributed to our understanding of the germination and emergence of velvetleaf and should enhance our ability to improve control strategies in cropping systems in central China.


1997 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 511 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Heap

Reseda lutea L. is a major perennial weed of alkaline cropping soils in South Australia. Seed biology and early seedling growth of R. lutea were studied in field and laboratory experiments to gain information needed for effective control strategies. Recovery of intact seeds buried for 4 years in the field at 50 and 150 mm was 77–96%. Germination of this seed was 33–63% (50 mm) and 0% (150 mm). Germination patterns differed markedly between seed collected from 2 populations. Seed germinated at all constant and fluctuating temperatures between 10 and 35° C with the maximum (88%) at 25°C constant. Mean temperature, rather than constancy or fluctuation, determined the germination rate. Light strongly inhibited germination. Seedling shoot growth was slow but tap root growth was rapid, reaching 350 mm within 28 days of emergence. Secondary roots arose 3–7 days after emergence and shoot buds formed on the roots within 28 days. R. lutea was found to be well adapted for persistence in cultivated fields with a temperate climate.


Weed Science ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace E-K. Bolfrey-Arku ◽  
Bhagirath S. Chauhan ◽  
David E. Johnson

Itchgrass is a weed of many crops throughout the tropics and one of the most important grass weeds of rainfed rice. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory and screenhouse to determine the effects of light, alternating day/night temperatures, high temperature pretreatment, water stress, seed burial depth, and rice residue on seed germination and seedling emergence of itchgrass in the Philippines. Two populations were evaluated and the results were consistent for both populations. Germination in the light/dark regime was greater at alternating day/night temperatures of 25/15 C than at 35/25, 30/20, or 20/10 C. Light was not a requirement for germination, but a light/dark regime increased germination by 96%, across temperature and population. A 5-min high temperature pretreatment for 50% inhibition of maximum itchgrass germination ranged from 145 to 151 C with no germination when seeds were exposed to ≥ 180 C. The osmotic potential required for 50% inhibition of maximum germination was −0.6 MPa for itchgrass, although some seeds germinated at −0.8 MPa. Seedling emergence was greatest for seeds placed on the soil surface, and emergence declined with increasing soil burial depth; no seedlings emerged from seeds buried at 10 cm. The addition of rice residue to soil surface in pots at rates equivalent to 4 to 6 Mg ha−1reduced itchgrass seedling emergence. Since seedling emergence was greatest at shallow depths and germination was stimulated by light, itchgrass may become a problem in systems where soil is cultivated at shallow depths. Knowledge gained in this study could contribute to developing components of integrated weed management strategies for itchgrass.


Weed Science ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Tang ◽  
Jie Chen ◽  
Jianping Zhang ◽  
Yongliang Lu

Triquetrous murdannia is an annual weed commonly found in rice fields in China. Laboratory and screenhouse experiments were carried out to determine the effect of light, temperature, osmotic and salt stress, seed burial depth, amount of rice residue, and depth of flooding on seed germination and seedling emergence of triquetrous murdannia and to evaluate the response of this weed to commonly available POST herbicides in China. Germination was greater than 93% under a wide day/night temperature range of 20/10 to 30/20 C in the light/dark regime. The time to onset of germination decreased as temperature increased. Germination was slightly stimulated when seeds were placed in light/dark conditions compared with seeds placed in the dark. The osmotic potential and NaCl concentration required for 50% inhibition of maximum germination were −0.5 MPa and 122 mM, respectively. The highest germination (68%) was observed from seeds sown on the soil surface, but decreased with increasing burial depth. Only 7% of seedlings emerged from a depth of 4 cm, and no seedlings emerged from seeds buried deeper than 6 cm. Seedling emergence decreased from 93 to 35% with increasing quantity of rice residue (1 to 6 103kg ha−1) applied on the soil surface. Seedling emergence was reduced by 40, 48, 64, and 70% at flooding depths of 1, 2, 4, and 6 cm, respectively, for the seeds sown on the soil surface. Fluroxypyr and MCPA herbicides provided 100% control of triquetrous murdannia at the 2- to 6-leaf stages; however, to achieve 100% control with bispyribac-sodium, MCPA+bentazone or MCPA+fluroxypyr, herbicides had to be applied by the 4-leaf stage. The results of this study could help in developing more sustainable and effective integrated weed management strategies for the control of triquetrous murdannia in rice fields in China.


Weed Science ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 440-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xian Wu ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Hongle Xu ◽  
Liyao Dong

Little published information is available related to seed germination and seedling establishment of Asia Minor bluegrass, a problematic grass weed in some regions of China. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different environmental factors on Asia Minor bluegrass seed germination. The optimum temperature for germination was around 10 to 20 C, and more than 90% of seeds germinated under 20/10 and 25/15 C temperature regimes. Also, light and pH did not appear to have any effect on seed germination. Asia Minor bluegrass was sensitive to osmotic stress, but tolerant of NaCl. No seedlings emerged when seeds were buried 4 cm deep. The result suggested that Asia Minor bluegrass has the potential to spread into a large area in China. To prevent its spreading, measures such as soil cultivation can be used to limit seed germination from increased burial depth and/or nonselective herbicides can be applied to kill early-germinating weed seedlings in late summer.


Weed Science ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iraj Nosratti ◽  
Sajad Almaleki ◽  
Bhagirath S. Chauhan

AbstractSoldier thistle [Picnomon acarna(L.) Cass.] is widely distributed throughout rainfed fields across western Iran, where it decreases crop yields and interferes with harvest operations. This study was conducted to determine the influence of different factors on seed germination and seedling emergence ofP. acarna. Freshly harvested seeds were dormant and required an after-ripening period for breaking dormancy. Seed germination was greatly promoted by light. Germination occurred over a wide spectrum of constant and fluctuating temperature regimes, ranging from 5 to 35 C, with highest germination at constant (74%) and fluctuating (94%) temperatures of 20 and 20/10 C. Seed germination ofP. acarnawas tolerant to osmotic potential, while salt stress significantly inhibited its germination percentage. pH was not an inhibiting factor for germination ofP. acarnaseeds. Seedling emergence decreased exponentially with an increase in seed burial depth in the soil; at soil burial depths of 4 cm or greater, no seedlings were able to reach the soil surface. The results suggest that significant seed germination ofP. acarnain rainfed fields is possible, and the weed has great potential to spread throughout rainfed systems in western Iran. Based on these results, effective control ofP. acarnacan be achieved by applying interrow cultivation in row crops and deep tillage at seedbed preparation.


Weed Science ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 521-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shouhui Wei ◽  
Chaoxian Zhang ◽  
Xiangju Li ◽  
Hailan Cui ◽  
Hongjuan Huang ◽  
...  

Buffalobur is a noxious and invasive weed species native to North America. The influence of environmental factors on seed germination and seedling emergence of buffalobur were evaluated in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. The germination of buffalobur seeds occurred at temperatures ranging from 12.5 to 45 C, with optimum germination attained between 25 and 35 C. Buffalobur seeds germinated equally well under both a 14-h photoperiod and continuous darkness; however, prolonged light exposure (≥ 16 h) significantly inhibited the seed germination. Buffalobur seed is rather tolerant to low water potential and high salt stress, as germination was 28 and 52% at osmotic potentials of −1.1 MPa and salinity level of 160 mM, respectively. Medium pH has no significant effect on seed germination; germination was greater than 95% over a broad pH range from 3 to 10. Seedling emergence was higher (85%) for seeds buried at a soil depth of 2 cm than for those placed on the soil surface (32%), but no seedlings emerged when burial depth reached 8 cm. Knowledge of germination biology of buffalobur obtained in this study will be useful in predicting the potential distribution area and developing effective management strategies for this species.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 569-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanan Aou-ouad ◽  
Hipólito Medrano ◽  
Ahmed Lamarti ◽  
Javier Gulías

AbstractRhamnus alaternus and R. ludovici-salvatoris, two Mediterranean shrubs with different geographic distributions, have shown important differences in seedling recruitment capacity. The objectives of this work were to determine the ability of these species to germinate seeds under different temperature ranges, as well as the capacity of seedlings to emerge from different burial depths, in order to better understand their regeneration processes. Two different experiments were performed. In the first one, seed germination was studied in Petri dishes and in the dark at different temperature regimes: a) 5–15°C, b) 10–20°C and c) 15–25°C (12h/12h). In the second experiment, seedling emergence capacity from different burial depths (0.5, 2 and 5 cm) was tested. R. ludovici-salvatoris showed a significantly higher final germination rates, a lower dormancy period, and average time response at 10–20°C than at other temperature ranges, although differences were much greater when seeds were subjected to the 5–15°C temperature regime. By contrast, R. alaternus did not show significant differences between treatments (5–15°C and 10–20°C) in germination behavior. Seedling emergence of both species was lower and slower when seeds were buried at 5 cm. However, R. ludovici-salvatoris always showed a lower seedling emergence capacity than R. alaternus at any burial depth. The low ability of R. ludovici-salvatoris to germinate seeds and emerge between 5–15°C, even from shallow depths, is discussed in relation to its low regeneration capacity and declining geographic distribution.


2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (6) ◽  
pp. 583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iraj Nosratti ◽  
Samira Soltanabadi ◽  
Saeid J. Honarmand ◽  
Bhagirath S. Chauhan

Centaurea balsamita is a problematic and invasive weed of agricultural fields in western Iran. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different environmental factors on germination and seedling emergence of this weed species. Results revealed that seed germination occurred over a wide range of temperatures (from 5°C to 35°C) with the highest germination at 25°C. Seed germination of C. balsamita was similar between light and dark conditions. Germination decreased with increased in water stress levels, but some seeds were capable of germinating at –1.4 MPa osmotic potential. Seed germination was sensitive to salt stress and complete inhibition occurred at 150 mM sodium chloride. Seed germination of C. balsamita occurred over a pH range of 4–10 with lowest seed germination at pH 4. Seed germination was inhibited by increasing concentrations of potassium nitrate. No seedlings emerged when seeds were buried in the soil at depths greater than 6 cm, suggesting that using a sweep cultivator in crops and deep tillage would be beneficial in managing C. balsamita. The ability of C. balsamita to germinate under a wide range of temperature regimes and high levels of osmotic potential shows that this weed is well adapted to invade other cropping regions, especially rain-fed fields in western Iran.


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