The production and shedding of Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. seeds in winter cereals crops

Seed shedding from heads of Alopecurus myosuroides occurred from late June to late August at most locations. Most seeds were shed before winter wheat (Triticum-aestivum L.) was harvested hut at two winter barley (Hordeum sativum L.) sites, only 50% of seed was shed prior to harvest. The viability of seeds shed at the start and end of the shedding period tended to be lower than that at peak shedding time in late July and early August. There were large differences between sites in the viability of the total amount of seed shed. The results of viability tests based on the presence of full caryopses and germination in pots of sterile soil were similar. Assessments of head numbers and head length were significantly correlated with total seed production. Head length, but not head number assessments, were also significantly correlated with viable seed production.