A high temperature requirement for after ripening of imbibed dormant Poa annua L. seeds

Freshly harvested seeds of Poa annua L. collected in south Louisiana were stored in moist soil at seven temperatures between 5°C and 35°C. At monthly intervals, seed lots were removed and germinated at each of the seven temperatures. Seed were dormant for at least 1 month at all test temperatures. Seeds stored for 2 months at 30 and 35°C showed conditional dormancy; there was 100% germination at 10 or 15°C, and poorer germination at 5 or 20°C. Seeds started to lose viability after 2 months at 35°C and were dead after 7 months. In seeds stored at 10–30°C, there were increased percentages and a wider range of germination temperatures as storage time or storage temperatures increased. Seeds stored at 10°C remained dormant for 9 months, but by 12 months of storage the seeds germinated only at 5 or 10°C. Nearly all seeds stored at the same temperatures in air dry soil remained dormant for 6 months, regardless of storage temperature. These results differ from other reports of low temperatures breaking seed dormancy in Poa annua L. and suggest an adaptation to subtropical climates.     

Effect of temperature during burial on dormant and non-dormant seeds of Lamium amplexicaule L. and ecological implications

Spring-produced seeds of Lamium amplexicaule L. were dormant at maturity in May and after-ripened when buried and stored over a range of temperatures, becoming conditionally dormant at low (5, 15/6 and 20/10°C) and non-dormant at high (25/15, 30/15 and 35/20°C) temperatures. Conditionally dormant seeds germinated to high percentages at 5 and 15/6°C, and non-dormant seeds germinated to high percentages at 5, 15/6, 20/10, 25/15 and 30/15°C. Seeds that became conditionally dormant at 5°C afterripened completely (i.e. became non-dormant) after transfer to 30/15°C. Buried seeds that became non-dormant in a non-temperature-controlled glasshouse during summer were still non-dormant after 12 weeks of storage at 30/15°C, while those stored at 5°C for 12 weeks had entered conditional dormancy. Thus, low temperatures cause reversal of the afterripening that takes place at high temperatures, but not that which takes place both at low and at high temperatures. Low winter temperatures cause dormant autumn-produced seeds and non-dormant seeds in the soil seed pool to become conditionally dormant. The ecological consequences of these responses to temperature are discussed in relation to the timing of seed germination in nature.     

Dormancy studies in three populations of Poa annua L. seeds

Seeds of Poa annua from original collections in Louisiana, Maryland and Wisconsin were grown together in Louisiana over a 3-year period. The freshly harvested seeds and samples stored in moist soil at 30°C were tested for germination at a range of temperatures to compare dormancy and germination characteristics. Seeds of the Louisiana population were dormant over the germination temperature range of 5–25°C, and imbibed storage for 2 weeks did not break dormancy. Freshly harvested seeds of the Maryland population germinated well (78%) at 10°C. With 1 week of imbibed storage at 30°C, germination was good over the range from 5 to 15°C and near 50% at 20°C. Storage for 2 weeks had little further effect. Freshly harvested seeds of two Wisconsin populations germinated above 50% throughout the range of temperatures, and imbibed storage for 2 weeks at 30°C had no effect on germination. The variations in the dormancy of freshly harvested seeds and the varying responses of dormancy breaking from storing imbibed seeds at 30°C suggests that these populations have adapted to avoid high summer temperatures in Louisiana and Maryland but to grow as a summer annual in Wisconsin.     

Longevity,dormancy and germination of Cyanus segetum

Cyanus segetum is an iconic, colourful weed in arable fields that provides ecological and societal services. To understand better both the infestation dynamics of C. segetum as an abundant, harmful weed and maintain sustainable populations where it provides beneficial services, we compared information on seed dormancy, seed longevity and germination conditions in two populations. Persistence of seeds buried in the soil was low, with <10% viable after 3 years. Periodic dormancy cycling was observed over the 4 years in the soil, with a maximum of dormant seeds in the spring and a minimum in the autumn; however, 20% of the seeds were non‐dormant all the time. Seeds of C. segetum were positive photosensitive, but light requirement varied among populations. Base water potential for germination was ?1 MPa. Base temperature ranged from 1 to 2°C. Optimum temperature for germination was about 10 to 15°C, but the mean thermal time varied greatly between populations, from 80 to 134 day °C. Photoperiod and temperature combinations had no effect on germination percentage, but both reduced the germination rate. Burial deeper than 2 cm greatly reduced germination and seedling emergence strongly decreased at depths >0.5 cm. No seeds buried deeper than 8 cm emerged. Low seed longevity and a wide range of germination conditions could partly explain the rapid disappearance of C. segetum populations after herbicide application began in western Europe. However, yearly sowing in restoration areas does not seem to be essential.     

Evolution de l'aptitude à germer des graines d'Amaranthus retroflexus L. récoltées dans différentes conditions, au cours de leur conservation

Development during storage of germinability of seeds of Amaranthus retroflexus L. harvested under different conditions The effect was studied of dry storage at 20 ± 1°C for 6 months or in soil 15 cm below the surface during one winter, on the germination behaviour of seeds of Amaranthus retroflexus L. harvested at the level of the main inflorescence on the parent plants grown under natural conditions or in different conditions of controlled photoperiod or temperature. At harvest, the seeds from plants which had developed late (July) in natural conditions were less dormant than those from plants appearing earlier (April); in controlled conditions, plants grown at 20°C in long days (16 h) produced seeds more dormant than those harvested from plants grown either at 20°C in short days (8 h) or at 25°C in long days (16 h). After dry storage or in the soil, this variation in germinability decreased but was never totally suppressed; the seeds retained the characteristics acquired during their formation and maturation. At harvest, for a defined growing condition, the dormancy of the seeds produced depends on the physiological state of the parent plants; after storage, the seeds which were the most dormant at harvest germinated more than the less dormant seeds. Finally, burying has a more favourable effect on breaking dormancy of the seeds than has dry storage.     

Temperature requirements for germination of buried seeds of Aethusa cynapium L.

Freshly-collected mature mericarps of Aethusu cynapium were dormant, but some germinated at alternating (16 h low/8 high) temperatures when the seed coverings were removed. Burial during winter increased percentage germination and the temperature range over which it took place. In late spring the range narrowed, first at low and then at higher temperatures, widening again in autumn. Moist storage at both low (4°C) and high (30°C) temperatures overcame dormancy, but exposure to 30°C inhibited subsequent germination at low temperatures. Germination of intact mericarps was consistently lower than that of de-coated seeds. The cyclic change in dormancy status of the seeds appears to interact with the restricting effects of the seed coverings and perhaps other factors in determining the consistent pattern of spring emergence in A. cynapium.     

The dormancy of wild oat seed (Avena fatua L.) from plants grown under various temperature and soil moisture conditions

Wild oat plants of types fA, fB and fC were grown at a constant 15 or 20°C during the period of seed maturation. Seed of the three types differed little in dormancy when grown at 15°C, but at 20°C a larger proportion of seeds of type fA were dormant compared with fB or fC. Overall, dormancy of seed produced at 15 and 20°C was 97 and 63% respectively. Plants of another collection of type fB were grown from seed at 15 or 20°C with or without water stress applied only from the time of panicle emergence. Water stress and high temperature reduced viable seed production. Seed dormancy was tested immediately after collection by planting the seed in soil, and by Petri dish tests. Further Petri dish tests were made after 6 months storage. Seedling emergence in the first autumn from seeds of plants matured without water stress at 15°C was 10% compared with 30% for seeds grown at 20°C. Seeds grown with water stress at 15°C gave 47%, and at 20°C 78% emergence. The majority of emergence from seeds formed at 15°C without water stress occurred in the second spring after burial. Petri dish tests support these findings and suggest that seeds produced in hot dry summers are less dormant than those produced in cool moist ones.     

Factors affecting seed germination and emergence of button grass (Dactyloctenium radulans) (R.Br.) P.Beauv.

Button grass (Dactyloctenium radulans) is a native, widely spread summer grass weed species in Australia. However, limited information is available on the seed germination biology of this species. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on the germination and emergence of two populations of D. radulans. The seeds of these populations were collected separately from Dalby, Queensland and Coleambally, NSW. Seeds were germinated at a range of constant and alternating temperatures (25/15, 30/20, 35/25 and 40/30°C day/night). The greatest seed germination was at a constant temperature of 30°C. Seed germination was reduced at the lowest alternating temperature (25/15°C). Germination of both populations was strongly stimulated by light, suggesting a great amount of emergence of D. radulans on bare ground, such as crop seedbeds. Germination of the D. radulans population collected from a northern cotton farming system (Dalby) was more tolerant to a greater range of salt stress than the population sourced from the south (Coleambally). Seeds of both populations germinated over a wide range of pH, between 4 and 10. However, germination was the greatest in a high pH buffer solution, indicating that the species prefers to germinate in alkaline soil. These results showed that D. radulans seeds possess a wide range of tolerance mechanisms to different environmental stresses. Information obtained in this study will help in developing more sustainable and effective integrated weed management strategies for the control of this weed and weeds with similar responses in summer cropping systems, such as cotton.     

Factors affecting seed germination and emergence of Aegilops tauschii

Information on seed germination and emergence ecology of Aegilops tauschii is scant, despite it being a widespread invasive weed in China. We conducted this study to determine the effects of various factors on seed germination and seedling emergence in three A. tauschii populations. Seeds germinated across a wide range of temperatures (5–35°C), with germination of over 90% at 15–20°C. Germination was completely inhibited when dry seeds were exposed to a temperature of 160°C for 5 min; a similar response was observed for pre-soaked seeds at 100°C. Light was neither required for nor inhibited germination. Germination was not significantly affected by pH. Aegilops tauschii was relatively tolerant to low osmotic potential and high salt stress: over 80% of seeds germinated at −0.3 MPa, and all three populations germinated in the presence of 400 mM salt (NaCl) although salt tolerance varied among the populations. Seeds buried at depths of 1–3 cm emerged well, but emergence was completely inhibited at depths greater than 8 cm. The addition of maize straw caused a linear reduction in seedling emergence, although the rate of reduction varied among the populations. The results of this study have contributed to understanding the requirements of A. tauschii germination and emergence and optimising an integrated management system for this weed in Huang–Huai–Hai Plain of China. In addition, our study provides data for development of models to predict the geographical distribution of this weed.     

Inter‐ and intrapopulation variation in dormancy of Oryza sativa (weedy red rice) and allelic variation in dormancy‐linked loci

Oryza sativa (weedy red rice), the same species as cultivated rice, is a serious problem in rice production worldwide. Seed dormancy contributes to its persistence. We determined the effect of germination temperature and after‐ripening period on germination capacity (GC) of red rice seeds from Arkansas rice fields in three production zones. We also determined the gene diversity (GD) of dormancy‐linked loci among selected populations. The germination behaviour was evaluated at three temperatures (1°C, 15°C and 35°C) and four after‐ripening periods (0, 30, 60 and 90 days) in two independent experiments. Germination response to temperature and after‐ripening time differed among and within populations in each production zone. Overall, populations from the Delta and Grand Prairie were more dormant than those from White River. Regardless of ecotype or production zone, incubation at 35°C (mean GC = 84–100%) favoured the germination of seeds after‐ripened for 60 days. Germination of these seeds was most variable at suboptimal temperature (15°C), with mean GC ranging from 44 to 97%; at 1°C, none of the seeds germinated. Primary dormancy was released in the majority of populations after 90 days of after‐ripening. Blackhull populations generally had lower mean GC than strawhull populations, regardless of temperature, and required longer after‐ripening time to release dormancy. They also showed a higher inter‐ and intrapopulation variation in germination and after‐ripening than strawhulls and had the highest gene diversity (GD = 0.55–0.58) among test populations. Non‐dormant strawhulls were most distant (D = 0.63) from dormant blackhulls. Ecotype influenced genotypic clustering more than the dormancy trait.     

Germination responses of buried seeds of Capsella bursa-pastoris exposed to seasonal temperature changes

Buried seeds of Capsella bursa-pastoris exhibit an annual conditional dormancy/non-dormancy cycle. Seeds after-ripen during summer and remain non-dormant during autumn and winter. Seeds enter conditional dormancy in early spring, first showing marked decreases in ability to germinate at high (35/20°C) and then at lower (30/15, 25/15°C) temperatures. Seeds do not lose the ability to germinate to high percentages at March (15/6°C) and April (20/10°C) temperatures in March and April. Thus, C. bursa-pastoris is a facultative winter annual, germinating in both autumn and spring if seeds are exposed to light. However, because some seeds retain the ability to germinate at 30/15 and 25/15°C, they could do so throughout the growing season in regions with cool, moist summers. Conditional dormancy developed in all seeds given 12 weeks at 5°C and subsequently kept for 4 weeks each at March (15/6°C), April (20/10°C) and May (25/15°C) temperatures. Thus, seeds of C. bursa-pastoris enter conditional dormancy as temperatures increase in spring.     

Factors affecting seed germination and emergence of Gomphrena perennis

Controlled growth chamber experiments were conducted to determine factors affecting seed germination and emergence of the troublesome weed Gomphrena perennis. The objective of this research was to examine the effects of temperature, light, moist chilling, osmotic potential, dry storage and depth of seed burial on G. perennis germination and emergence. The optimum temperature for germination was around 15–20°C. Seeds showed germination rates above 90% under 20/10 and 25/15°C temperature regimes. The minimum exposure to light needed to stimulate germination was 1 min. However, the light requirement was reduced after a long storage period. Furthermore, germination was high (>90%) in all moist‐chilling treatments tested. Germination was highly sensitive to increasing osmotic stress. The highest germination percentage (94%) was achieved at 0 MPa, and decreasing osmotic potential from 0 to ?0.3 MPa reduced germination to 11%. The highest seedling emergence occurred for seeds placed from 0 to 1 cm deep, and no seedlings emerged from a 5‐cm burial depth. Gomphrena perennis has a suitable environment in a no‐till soybean field, where seeds remaining on the surface have the required temperature, light and depth needed for germination.     

Role of temperature in regulating timing of germination in soil seed reserves of Lamium purpureum L.

Fresh seeds of Lamium purpureum L. were dormant at maturity, and when buried and exposed to natural seasonal temperature changes they exhibited an annual dormancy/non-dormancy cycle. During burial in summer, fresh seeds and those that had been buried for 1 year afterripened and thus were non-dormant by September and October; light was required for germination. During autumn and winter seeds re-entered dormancy, and during the following summer they became non-dormant again. Dormant seeds afterripened when buried and stored over a range of temperatures, becoming conditionally dormant at low (5, 15/6°C) and non-dormant at high (20/10, 25/15, 30/15 and 35/20°C) temperatures. Conditionally dormant seeds germinated to high percentages at 5, 15/6 and 20/10°C, while non-dormant seeds germinated to high percentages additionally at 25/15, 30/15 and 35/20°C. Low temperatures caused non-dormant seeds to re-enter dormancy, while high temperatures caused a sharp decline in germination only at 30/15 and 5°C. The temperature responses of L. purpureum seeds are compared to those of L. amplexicaule L.     

The influence of temperature on germination of gorse (Ulex europaeus L.)

The germination of U. europaeus seed was investigated at temperatures between 4 and 40°C on a thermal gradient bar. At constant temperature the germination rate increased linearly with temperature from a minimum near 0°C to an optimum at 18°C and then decreased to a maximum at 26°C. At still higher temperatures seeds became imbibed but only germinated when transferred to cooler conditions. Above 35°C viability was lost. The rate of imbibition prior to germination increased with temperature over the whole range. Germination was not increased either by a light treatment or by potassium nitrate. Germination was not stimulated by a wide range of alternating temperature regimes and at mean temperatures below the optimum the germination rate could be adequately predicted from a formula based on performance at constant temperature. At higher temperatures the observed rates became progressively slower than predicted. Seeds from three different sources were tested, all showing similar relationships between germination rate and temperature but differing in the proportion of hard seed. The proportion was least with seed extracted from the soil, intermediate with a collection from the surface and greatest from pods. The findings are discussed in relation to germination in the field following clearing of gorse thicket.     

The role of light and alternating temperatures on germination of Polygonum aviculare seeds exhumed on various dates

The annual dormancy cycle was investigated in buried seeds of Polygonum aviculare L. exposed to natural temperature changes in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.A. Seeds were exhumed monthly from December 1984 to February 1987 and tested in light (14-h daily photoperiod) and continuous darkness at 12/12-h daily alternating temperature regimes of 15/6, 20/10, 25/15, 30/15 and 35/20°C. During autumn and winter, seeds became non-dormant, and in March 1985 they germinated to 95-100% at all thermoperiods in light and to 7-61% in darkness. Seeds remained non-dormant during spring but became more specific in their germination requirements in early summer. During July and August 1985, seeds germinated to 17-53% in light at 30/15 and 35/20°C but to 0-10% at all other test conditions. By September, about 65% of the seeds were dormant, but the others were able to germinate under the higher alternating temperatures in light. A similar seasonal cycle was recorded in the following year through to the spring of 1987. The results confirm the seasonal pattern of dormancy in this species (Courtney, 1968) but indicate that alternating temperatures combined with light are important in determining germination potential in P. aviculare.     

Evidence of differences in seed dormancy among populations of Bromus sterilis

Seeds of 40 populations of Bromus sterilis L. were collected in the southern and midland counties of England over a 2‐year period and grown outdoors in pots in two subsequent years. In the first year, seeds were tested in a 12‐h dark/12‐h light regime at 15 °C and in the second year the seeds were tested both in the dark/light regime and in the dark at 15 °C. There was a wide range in the degree of enforced dormancy given by the dark/light regime. Germination of freshly collected seeds in the dark/light regime after 21 days ranged from 44% to 97% in the populations tested in the first year and from 19% to 97% in populations tested in the second year. Induced dormancy was caused by light in two populations. Seeds had little innate dormancy apart from in two populations which gave 64% and 68% germination, respectively, in the dark after 21 days. A field trial in which seeds of a selected range of six populations were sown on the soil surface after harvest (August 8), showed that populations predicted to be inhibited by light in laboratory tests were also inhibited by light in the field and, depending upon the population, there was between 4% and 54% of the seeds remaining ungerminated by October 23 in the year of planting. By June of the following year, 36% of the seeds sown on the soil surface in one population still remained viable and ungerminated. The agricultural significance of the results is discussed.     

Temperature requirements for after-ripening in seeds of nine winter annuals

Temperature requirements for after-ripening were investigated in seeds of the weedy winter annuals Arabidopsis thaliana, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Capsella bursar-pastoris, Cardamine hirsuta. Cerastium viscosum, Draba verna, Holosteum umbellatum, Stellaria media and Thlaspi per-foliata. Fresh seeds of seven species were innately dormant, and those of A. serpyllifolia and C. viscosum were conditionally dormant. (Dormancy terminology follows Vegis, 1964.) Seeds of each species were buried in moist soil at 5, 15/6, 20/10, 25/15, 30/15 and 35/20°C from time of maturation in spring until the third week of September. Buried seeds at each temperature were then exhumed and tested in light at all six temperatures. Seeds of all species became non-dormant at 25/15, 30/15 and 35/20°C, except for those of D. verna, H. umbellatum, A. serpyllifolia and C. viscosum, which rotted during burial at 35/20°C At 20/10°C. seeds of T perfoliata and D. verna became conditionally dormant, and those of the other seven species became non-dormant. Thalaspi perfoliata and D. verna seeds did not after-ripen at 5 or 15/6°C, while those of H. umbellatum and C. hirsuta became conditionally dormant at 15/6°C but remained innately dormant at 5°C. The other five species became conditionally dormant at both 5 and 15/6°C; they germinated at low, bill not at high, temperatures. Thus, after-ripening in seeds of winter annuals is fully promoted by high summer temperatures and wholly or partially inhibited by low winter temperatures. Exigences en temperature pour la post-maturation des semences de neuf espèces annuelles d'hiver Les exigences en température pour la post-maturation ont étéétudiées chez les semences d'adventices annuelles d'hiver, Arabidopsis thaliana, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Cupsella bursa-pastoris, Cardamine hirsuta, Cerastium viscosum, Draba verna, Holosteum umbellatum, Stellaria media et thlaspi perfaliata. Les semences fraîches de sept espèces manifestaient une dormance absolue, et celles de A. serpyllifolia et C. viscosum une dormance relative (selon la terminologie de Vegis, 1964). Des semences de chaque espèce ont été enfouies dans du sol humide à 5, 15/6, 20/10, 25/15, 30/15 et 35/20°C, à partir de la période de maturation au printemps et jusqu'à la troisième semaine de Septembre. Les semences enfouies aux différentes températures ont été ensuite exhumées et soumise, sous éclairement, aux six conditions de température. Les semences de toutes les espèces ont perdu leur dormance à 25/15, 30/15 et 3/20°C, excepté celles de D. verna. H. umbellatum, A. serpillyfolia et C. viscosum, qui ont pourri après a voir été enfouies à 35/20°C. A 20/10°C, les semences de. T. perfoliata et D. verna ont acquis une dormance relative et celles des sept autres espèces sont devenues non dormantes Les semences de Thlaspi perfoliata et D. verna n'ont pas subi de post-maturation à 5 ou 15/6°C, alors que celles de H. umbellatum et de C. hirsuta ont acquis une dormance relative à 15/6°C mais ont conserveé une dormance absolue à 5°C. Les cinq autres espèces ont acquis une dormance conditionnelle à la fois à 5 et 15/6°C; elles ont germéà basse, mais non à haute température. Par consèquent, la post-maturation des semences d'annuelles d'hiver est totalement induite par les fortes tempéeratures d'été, et totalement ou partiellement inhibée par les basses températures d'hiver. Temperaturhedürftnisse zur Nachreifung von Samen bei neun Winterannuellen In dieser Studie wurden die Temperaturanor- derungen zur Nachreifung der Samen der winter-annuellen Unkräuter Arabidopsis thaliana, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Cardamine hirsuta, Cerasthim viscosum, Draba verna, Holosteum umbellatum, Stellaria media und Thlaspi perfoliata untersucht. Junge Samen von sieben Arten sind von Natur aus obligat und diejenigen von A. serpyllifolia und C. viscosum je nach Umständen dormant (Terminologie der Samenruhe nach Vegis, 1964). Samen jeder Species wurden zur Zeit der Samenreife im Frühling in feuchtem Boden eingegraben und darin bei Temperaturen von 5, 15/6, 20/10, 25/15, 30/15 und 35/20°C bis zur dritten Woche im September belassen. Danach wurden die Samen ausgegraben und unter Lichleninfluss bei allen sechs Temperaturstufen auf ihre Keimfähigkeit getestet. Mit Ausnahme der Samen von D. Verna, H. umbellatum, A. serpyllifolia und C. viscosum, welche bei 35/20°C im Boden verfault waren, wurden alle anderen Arten bei 25/15, 30/15 und 35/20°C keimfähig. Bei 20/10 °C kamen die Samen von T. perfoliata und D. verna in einen bedingten Ruhezustand, während diejenigen der anderen sieben Arten voll keimfähig wurden. T. perfoliata und D. verna reiften bei 5 oder 15/6°C nicht nach: H. umbellatum und C. hirsuta wurden bei 15/6 °C bedingt keimfähig, blieben aber bei 5°C völlig dormant. Die anderen fünf Arten erreichten bei 5 und 15/6°C eine bedingte Dormanz; sie keimten bei niedrigen, nicht aber bei hohen Temperaturen. Aus diesen Ergenissen lässt sich schlicssen, dass die Nachreifung von Samen winterannueller Arien durch hohe Sommertemperaturen voll entwickelt, durch niedrige Wintertemperaturen aber ganz oder teilweise gehemmt wird.     

Dormancy and viability of Phalaris minor seed in a rice–wheat cropping system

Seed placement, soil temperature and soil moisture content influenced the process of after-ripening in Phalaris minor seeds. Seeds of P. minor collected from the soil just after wheat harvesting exhibited higher germination than seeds from P. minor threshed directly. There was a pronounced impact of periodic inhabitation of seed into the soil on germination after its dispersal. Germination was strongly inhibited when the seed was kept in soil at more than field capacity (FC) or in water. Maximum germination of seed incubated in soil at FC occurred at 30°C while a temperature of 40°C favoured after-ripening of seed when mixed with dry soil or kept dry without any medium. Release from conditional dormancy was quicker in the seed retrieved from the soil kept at 20°C than at 10°C. Seed release from conditional dormancy and germination increased with a rise in temperature from 30 to 40°C when the seed was retrieved from incubation in soil at FC for 70 days. The seed kept immersed in water was least responsive to a rise in temperature. Seed recovered from dry soil, or kept without any medium, responded quickly at both temperatures. Light enhanced the germination of Phalaris minor seed. The seedbank subjected to rice (Oryza sativa) field management conditions lost vigour in comparison with the seed stored in laboratory. There was significant variability in seed viability when exposed to differential water management conditions in rice.     

Factors affecting seed dormancy and germination of Johnsongrass, Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.

Seeds of Johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.] germinated to higher percentages (20–30% higher) when incubated at 28 and 35° C than at 10 or 22° C. After-ripening was accelerated by dry storage of these seeds at 50°C. Seeds pre-chilled at 6°C for 2–4 weeks followed by incubation at 28°C germinated 40–60%. Light effects on germination were related to incubation temperatures; inhibitory at 22°C; no response at 28°C; and stimulatory at 35°C. Effects of gibberellin A₃ (GA₃) also varied depending on incubation temperature, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) immersion and light conditions. Immersion of dry seeds in either 700 mM NaOCl, 900 mM H₂O₂ or concentrated H₂SO₄ before incubation in water was effective in breaking dormancy. This result suggests the modes of action of H₂SO₄ in the termination of dormancy may be similar to those of NaOCl and H₂SO₄ as previously suggested by Hsiao & Quick (1984), that is by modification or scarification of the hull or seed coat membranes, and also by the supply of additional oxygen to the seed.     

Seed dormancy and periodicity of seedling emergence in Veronica hederifolia L.

Emergence of Veronica hederifolia seedlings began in mid-October and continued into spring; few appeared from June to September. Ripe seeds shed in June were dormant but wben buried in soil outdoors developed a capacity for germination initially at low temperatures (constant4 C; daily alternations of 4-10° and 4-1 5 C) and later at somewhat higher temperatures, with peak germination in September-November. During winter, spring and early summer thc germination capacity declined, to increase again in late summer and early autumn. Cyclic physiological changes thus occur in seeds of V,hederifolia present in the soil, with which lhe consistent seasonal periodicity of seedling emergence is associated. In dry storage ihe capacity for germination progressively increased, but alter 12 months there was a sharp decline in germination at 4° C. Few seeds germinated at 20° C, but moistening with GA 4/7; brought about complete germination at this temperature.