Researches on the Germination Biology of Some Common Weed Seeds in Turkey

Abstract

Weeds in agricultural production is one of the most important factors affecting yield. They causes yield lose ranging from 25% to 35% by competing with cultivated plants especially for nutrient, water, light and place. This data show the significance of weeds in agricultural areas. It is necessary to control the weeds to remove their harm. Principally the meaning of control is to know their biology. With this research the germination biology conditions (minimum, optimum and maximum germination temperature, germination period and germination rate) of some common weeds that are widespread in the agriculture in Turkey have been examined. According to the research results, minimum, optimum and maximum germination temperatures were 7-10 °C, 30-40 °C and 43-45 °C (no germination at 45 °C) for Amaranthus retroflexus L., respectively. These parameters for Chenopodium album L. were 0-2 °C, 15-25 °C and 40 °C; for Alhagi camelorum Fisch. (without fruit) they were 7-10 °C, 25-40 °C and 40-43 °C (no germination at 43 °C); for Galium aparine L. they were 0-2 °C, 5-25 °C and 25-30 °C ( no germination at 30 °C); for Taraxacum officinale Weber. they were 0-2 °C, 10-30 °C and 40 °C; for Heliotropium europaeum L. they were 20-35 °C, 40 °C and 40-43 °C (no germination at 43 °C); for Peganum harmala L. they were 7-10 °C, 20-30 °C and 43-45 °C. There was no germination in Alhagi camelorum Fisch. seeds at any temperatures.