Abstract
Although seed dormancy is advantageous for annual plants in the wild, unsynchronized germination in the laboratory leads to increased error in measurements. Therefore, techniques to promote and synchronize germination are routinely used. Ultrasound is one of the newest methods for breaking dormancy in weed seeds. We have investigated whether ultrasonic waves can be used to break seed dormancy of common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), a highly competitive annual weed that leads to significant reduction of yields of corn, soybeans, and sugar beets. Ultrasonic waves with frequency of 35 kH were applied for 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, and 30 min using a completely randomized design. The results showed that the use of ultrasound waves generally enhanced the traits under investigation in the treated samples compared with the control sample. The maximum enhancement of germination percentage (180%), seedling dry weight (78%), and seedling vigor index I (271%) and II (392%) was seen in the common lambsquarters samples treated with ultrasound for 15 min and seedling length (40%) at 30 min compared with the control samples. Radical lengths were not statistically different from controls under any treatment and plumule length only increased marginally. These changes are reflected in seedling vigor index I and II measurements. For some of these traits, increasing the length of ultrasound treatment to 30 min had negative effects. These results demonstrate that ultrasound technology can be used as a quick, and efficient nondestructive method to break seed dormancy in common lambsquarters.
Highlights
To produce consistent high yields from agricultural systems, weed control is essential
The maximum enhancement of germination percentage (180%), seedling dry weight (78%), and seedling vigor index I (271%) and II (392%) was seen in the common lambsquarters samples treated with ultrasound for 15 min and seedling length (40%) at 30 min compared with the control samples
The highest and lowest germination percentages were equal to 83.25% and 29.75%, respectively, which belonged to the 15 min of ultrasound treatment and the control sample, respectively
Summary
To produce consistent high yields from agricultural systems, weed control is essential. Common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) is one of the world's most problematic weeds (Moechnig, Stoltenberg, Boerboom, & Binning, 2003). Characteristics such as high growth rate, effective competition for resources and nutrients, high seed production, and seed germination under a wide range of environmental conditions means that common lambsquarters prevents crop growth and results in reduced crop yield Seeds of annual plants like weeds frequently exhibit dormancy at maturity. Soil seed banks could not be established or maintained and is essential for annual weeds like lambsquarters. Seed dormancy in annual plants enables a large portion of the seed bank of weeds to correctly time germination with the seasons and/or to remain in the soil for a long time
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