The Influence of Environmental Factors on Seed Germination of Polygonum perfoliatum L.: Implications for Management

Polygonum perfoliatum L. is an aggressive vine, currently invading the Black Sea region, Turkey. However, information about the seed germination biology of this species is scanty. The objective of the current study was to determine the seed germination biology of three naturalized populations of this species. Chemical scarification with 98% sulfuric acid for 30 min followed by cold-wet stratification at 4 °C for 4 weeks effectively released seed dormancy in tested populations. Seeds of all populations required a 12 h photoperiod for the highest germination, while germination under continuous dark and light remained similar. The seeds were able to germinate under a wide range of constant (5–40 °C) and alternating temperatures, pH (3–11), osmotic potential (0 to −1.4 MPa) and salinity (0–500 mM NaCl). However, the peak germination was observed under 20 °C constant and 20/15 °C alternating day/night temperature, and pH 6.8. Seeds of all populations were able to withstand 200 mM salinity and −0.6 MPa osmotic potential. Increasing seed burial depth initially stimulated seedling emergence and then a sharp decline was observed for the seeds buried below >2 cm depth. More than 90% of the seeds were unable to emerge when buried >6 cm depth. Polygonum perfoliatum has a large potential for range expansion; therefore, immediate management of the naturalized populations is warranted. This weed species in agricultural fields can be managed by burying the seeds in deeper soil layers (6 cm), while post-emergence management strategies need to be developed for roadside populations.

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Germination Biology of Sesbania (Sesbania cannabina): An Emerging Weed in the Australian Cotton Agro-environment

Weed Science ◽

10.1017/wsc.2018.62 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 67 (1) ◽

pp. 68-76 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nadeem Iqbal ◽

Sudheesh Manalil ◽

Bhagirath S. Chauhan ◽

Steve W. Adkins

Keyword(s):

Seed Germination ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Moisture Stress ◽

Integrated Weed Management ◽

Burial Depth ◽

Weed Species ◽

Physical Dormancy ◽

Sesbania Cannabina ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Impact

AbstractSesbania [Sesbania cannabina(Retz.) Pers.] is a problematic emerging weed species in Australian cotton-farming systems. However, globally, no information is available regarding its seed germination biology, and better understanding will help in devising superior management strategies to prevent further infestations. Laboratory and glasshouse studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of various environmental factors such as light, temperature, salt, osmotic and pH stress, and burial depth on germination and emergence of two Australian biotypes ofS. cannabina. Freshly harvested seeds of both biotypes possessed physical dormancy. A boiling-water scarification treatment (100±2 C) of 5-min duration was the optimum treatment to overcome this dormancy. Once dormancy was broken, the Dalby biotype exhibited a greater germination (93%) compared with the St George biotype (87%). The nondormant seeds of both biotypes showed a neutral photoblastic response to light and dark conditions, with germination marginally improved (6%) under illumination. Maximum germination of both biotypes occurred under an alternating temperature regime of 30/20 and 35/25 C and under constant temperatures of 32 or 35 C, with no germination at 8 or 11 C. Seed germination of both biotypes decreased linearly from 87% to 14% with an increase in moisture stress from 0.0 to −0.8 MPa, with no germination possible at −1.0 MPa. There was a gradual decline in germination for both biotypes when imbibed in a range of salt solutions of 25 to 250 mM, with a 50% reduction in germination occurring at 150 mM. Both biotypes germinated well under a wide range of pH values (4.0 to 10.0), with maximum germination (94%) at pH 9.0. The greatest emergence rate of the Dalby (87%) and St George (78%) biotypes was recorded at a burial depth of 1.0 cm, with no emergence at 16.0 cm. Deep tillage seems to be the best management strategy to stopS. cannabina’s emergence and further infestation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) fields. The findings of this study will be helpful to cotton agronomists in devising effective, sustainable, and efficient integrated weed management strategies for the control ofS. cannabinain cotton cropping lands.

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Effect of Environmental Factors on Germination and Emergence of Shortawn Foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis)

Weed Science ◽

10.1017/wsc.2017.42 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 66 (1) ◽

pp. 47-56 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Ning Zhao ◽

Qi Li ◽

Wenlei Guo ◽

Lele Zhang ◽

Lu’an Ge ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seed Germination ◽

Osmotic Potential ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Abiotic Factors ◽

Germination Rate ◽

Seedling Emergence ◽

Soil Surface ◽

Burial Depth ◽

Effective Measure ◽

Wide Range

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.

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Seed germination ecology of Conyza stricta Willd. and implications for management

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0244059 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (12) ◽

pp. e0244059

Author(s):

Safdar Ali ◽

Fakhar Din Khan ◽

Rehmat Ullah ◽

Rahmat Ullah Shah ◽

Saud Alamri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seed Germination ◽

Osmotic Potential ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Seedling Emergence ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Conservation Agriculture ◽

Weed Species ◽

Seed Burial ◽

Germination Ecology ◽

Tillage Practices

Numerous cropping systems of the world are experiencing the emergence of new weed species in response to conservation agriculture. Conyza stricta Willd. is being a newly emerging weed of barley-based cropping systems in response to conservational tillage practices. Seed germination ecology of four populations (irrigated, rainfed, abandoned and ruderal habitats) was studied in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. The presence/absence of seed dormancy was inferred first, which indicated seeds were non-dormant. Seed germination was then recorded under various photoperiods, constant and alternating day/night temperatures, and pH, salinity and osmotic potential levels. Seedling emergence was observed from various seed burial depths. Seeds of all populations proved photoblastic and required 12-hour light/dark period for germination. Seeds of all populations germinated under 5–30°C constant temperature; however, peak germination was recorded under 17.22–18.11°C. Nonetheless, the highest germination was noted under 20/15°C alternating day/night temperature. Ruderal and irrigated populations better tolerated salinity and germinated under 0–500 mM salinity. Similarly, rainfed population proved more tolerant to osmotic potential than other populations. Seeds of all populations required neutral pH for the highest germination, whereas decline was noted in germination under basic and alkaline pH. Seedling emergence was retarded for seeds buried >2 cm depth and no emergence was recorded from >4 cm depth. These results add valuable information towards our understanding of seed germination ecology of C. stricta. Seed germination ability of different populations under diverse environmental conditions suspects that the species can present severe challenges in future if not managed. Deep seed burial along with effective management of the emerging seedlings seems a pragmatic option to manage the species in cultivated fields. However, immediate management strategies are needed for rest of the habitats.

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Environmental factors affect seed germination and seedling emergence of invasive Centaurea balsamita

Crop and Pasture Science ◽

10.1071/cp17183 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 68 (6) ◽

pp. 583 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Iraj Nosratti ◽

Samira Soltanabadi ◽

Saeid J. Honarmand ◽

Bhagirath S. Chauhan

Keyword(s):

Seed Germination ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Osmotic Potential ◽

Seedling Emergence ◽

Potassium Nitrate ◽

Weed Species ◽

Invasive Weed ◽

Western Iran ◽

Temperature Regimes ◽

Wide Range

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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Germination Ecology of Southern Crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris) and India Crabgrass (Digitaria longiflora): Two Important Weeds of Rice in Tropics

Weed Science ◽

10.1614/ws-08-049.1 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 56 (5) ◽

pp. 722-728 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Bhagirath S. Chauhan ◽

David E. Johnson

Keyword(s):

Seed Germination ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Weed Management ◽

Small Proportion ◽

Seedling Emergence ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Soil Surface ◽

Integrated Weed Management ◽

Burial Depth ◽

Wide Range

Southern and India crabgrass are important grass weeds of rice in many tropical countries. Environmental factors influenced seed germination and seedling emergence of these weeds. Seeds of both species germinated at a range of alternating temperatures (25/15, 30/20, and 35/25 C day/night), though the germination of southern crabgrass was reduced at the lowest alternating temperatures (25/15 C). Light stimulated germination of both species; however, a small proportion of southern crabgrass seeds germinated in the dark. Germination of India crabgrass was influenced to a greater degree by increasing salt and water stresses than was southern crabgrass. Seeds of both species germinated over a wide range of pH between 5 and 10. Seedling emergence of both species (98% for southern crabgrass and 94% for India crabgrass) was greatest for seeds placed on the soil surface. Seed burial depth of 2 cm completely inhibited emergence of India crabgrass, whereas for southern crabgrass, this depth was 8 cm. Knowledge gained from this study is expected to contribute to developing components of integrated weed management strategies for these species.

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Effect of Environmental Factors on the Germination and Emergence of Drunken Horse Grass (Achnatherum inebrians)

Weed Science ◽

10.1017/wsc.2020.81 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-29

Author(s):

Yonghuan Yue ◽

Guili Jin ◽

Weihua Lu ◽

Ke Gong ◽

Wanqiang Han ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seed Germination ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Abiotic Factors ◽

Seedling Emergence ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Germination Percentage ◽

Western China ◽

Burial Depth ◽

Achnatherum Inebrians ◽

Water Ph

Abstract Drunken horse grass [Achnatherum inebrians (Hance) Keng] is a perennial poisonous weed in western China. A comprehensive understanding of the ecological response of A. inebrians germination to environmental factors would facilitate the formulation of better management strategies for this weed. Experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions to assess the effects of various abiotic factors, including temperature, light, water, pH and burial depth, on the seed germination and seedling emergence of A. inebrians. The seeds germinated at constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, 35°C and in alternating-temperature regimes of 15/5, 20/10, 25/15, 30/20, 35/25, 40/30°C, and the seed germination percentages under constant and alternating temperatures ranged from 51% to 94% and 15% to 93%, respectively. Maximum germination occurred at a constant temperature of 25°C, and germination was prevented at 45/35°C. Light did not appear to affect seed germination. The germination percentage of seeds was more than 75% in the pH range of 5 to 10, with the highest germination percentage at pH 6. The seeds germinated at osmotic potentials of 0 MPa to -1.0 MPa, but decreasing osmotic potential inhibited germination, with no germination at -1.2MPa. After 21 d of low osmotic stress, the seeds that did not germinate after rehydration had not lost their vitality. The seedling emergence percentage was highest (90%) when seeds were buried at 1 cm but declined with increasing burial depth and no emergence at 9 cm. Deep tillage may be effective in limiting the seed germination and emergence of this species. The results of this study provide useful information on the conditions necessary for A. inebrians germination and provide a theoretical basis for science-based prediction, prevention and control of this species.

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Factors affecting Cyperus difformis seed germination and seedling emergence

Planta Daninha ◽

10.1590/s0100-83582013000400008 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 823-832 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

A. Derakhshan ◽

J. Gherekhloo

Keyword(s):

Seed Germination ◽

Integrated Management ◽

Germination Rate ◽

Seedling Emergence ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Soil Surface ◽

Weed Species ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Cyperus Difformis ◽

Emergence Patterns

Specific knowledge about the dormancy, germination, and emergence patterns of weed species aids the development of integrated management strategies. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the effect of several environmental factors on seed germination and seedling emergence of Cyperus difformis. Germination of freshly harvested seeds was inhibited by darkness; however, when seeds were subsequently transferred to complete light they germinated readily. Our results showed that 2 wk of cold stratification overcome the light requirement for germination. Seeds of C. difformis were able to germinate over a broad range of temperatures (25/15, 30/20, 35/25, and 40/30 ºC day/night). The response of germination rate to temperature was described as a non-linear function. Based on model outputs, the base, the optimum and the ceiling temperatures were estimated as 14.81, 37.72 and 45 ºC, respectively. A temperature of 120 ºC for a 5 min was required to inhibit 50% of maximum germination. The osmotic potential and salinity required for 50% inhibition of maximum germination were -0.47 MPa and 135.57 mM, respectively. High percentage of seed germination (89%) was observed at pH=6 and decreased to 12% at alkaline medium (pH 9) pH. Seeds sown on the soil surface gave the greatest percentage of seedling emergence, and no seedlings emerged from seeds buried in soil at depths of 1 cm.

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Germination Ecology of Two Australian Populations of African turnipweed (Sisymbrium thellungii)

Weed Science ◽

10.1017/wsc.2018.55 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 66 (6) ◽

pp. 752-757 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gulshan Mahajan ◽

Amar Matloob ◽

Michael Walsh ◽

Bhagirath S. Chauhan

Keyword(s):

Seed Germination ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Soil Surface ◽

Wheat Crop ◽

Burial Depth ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Wide Range ◽

Water Ph ◽

Winter Crops ◽

Residue Study

AbstractAfrican turnipweed (Sisymbrium thellungiiO. E.Schulz) is an emerging problematic broadleaf weed of the northern grain region of Australia. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of temperature, light, salinity, pH, seed burial depth, and the amount of wheat crop residue on germination and emergence of two AustralianS. thellungiiweed populations (population C, cropped area; population F, fence line). Both populations behaved similarly across different environmental conditions, except in the residue study. Although the seeds of both populations ofS. thellungiicould germinate under complete darkness, germination was best (~95%) under light/dark conditions at the 20/10 C temperature regime. Both populations ofS. thellungiigerminated over a wide range of day/night temperatures (15/5, 20/10, 25/15, and 30/20 C). Osmotic stress had negative effects on germination, with 54% seeds (averaged over populations) able to germinate at −0.1MPa. Complete germination inhibition for both populations was observed at −0.8MPa osmotic potential. Both populations germinated at sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations ranging from 50 to 100 mM, beyond which germination was completely inhibited. There were substantial reductions in seed germination, 32% (averaged over populations) under highly acidic conditions (pH 4.0) as compared with the control (water: pH 6.4). Seed germination of both populations on the soil surface was 77%, and no seedlings emerged from a burial depth of 1 cm. The addition of 6 Mg ha−1of wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) residue reduced the emergence of the C and F populations ofS. thellungiiby 75% and 64%, respectively, as compared with the control (no residue). Information gathered from this study provides a better understanding of the factors favorable for germination and emergence ofS. thellungii, which will aid in developing management strategies in winter crops, especially wheat, barley (Hordeum vulgareL.), and chick pea (Cicer arietinumL.).

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Germination ecology of wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) and its implications for weed management

Weed Science ◽

10.1017/wsc.2021.66 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-27

Author(s):

Aseemjot Singh ◽

Gulshan Mahajan ◽

Bhagirath Singh Chauhan

Keyword(s):

Salt Stress ◽

Seed Germination ◽

Seedling Emergence ◽

Radiant Heat ◽

Burial Depth ◽

Sinapis Arvensis ◽

Germination Ecology ◽

Wild Mustard ◽

Differential Adaptation ◽

Wide Range

Abstract Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) is a widespread weed of the southeastern cropping region of Australia. Seed germination ecology of S. arvensis populations selected from different climatic regions may differ due to adaptative traits. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of temperature, light, radiant heat, soil moisture, salt concentration, and burial depth on seed germination and seedling emergence of two [Queensland (Qld) population: tropical region; and Victoria (Vic) population: temperate region] populations of S. arvensis. Both populations germinated over a wide range of day/night (12 h/12 h) temperatures (15/5 to 35/25 C), and had the highest germination at 30/20 C. Under complete darkness, the Qld population (61%) had higher germination than the Vic population (21%); however, under the light/dark regime, both populations had similar germination (78 to 86%). At 100 C pretreatment for 5 min, the Qld population (44%) had higher germination than the Vic population (13%). Germination of both populations was nil when given pretreatment at 150 and 200 C. The Vic population was found tolerant to high osmotic and salt stress compared with the Qld population. At an osmotic potential of −0.4 MPa, germination of Qld and Vic populations was reduced by 85% and 42%, respectively, compared with their respective control. At 40, 80, and 160 mM sodium chloride, germination of the Qld population was lower than the Vic population. Averaged over the populations, seedling emergence was highest (52%) from a burial depth of 1 cm and was nil from 8 cm depth. Differential germination behaviors of both populations to temperature, light, radiant heat, water stress, and salt stress suggests that populations of S. arvensis may have undergone differential adaptation. Knowledge gained from this study will assist in developing suitable control measures for this weed species to reduce the soil seedbank.

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Seed Germination, Seedling Emergence, and Response to Herbicides of Triquetrous Murdannia (Murdannia triquetra) in Rice

Weed Science ◽

10.1614/ws-d-16-00048.1 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 65 (1) ◽

pp. 141-150 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Wei Tang ◽

Jie Chen ◽

Jianping Zhang ◽

Yongliang Lu

Keyword(s):

Seed Germination ◽

Weed Management ◽

Seedling Emergence ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Soil Surface ◽

Rice Fields ◽

Integrated Weed Management ◽

Burial Depth ◽

Nacl Concentration ◽

Dark Regime

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.

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