Seed germination strategies of five perennial weeds.

Abstract

The germination responses of seeds of Achillea millefolium L., Artemisia vulgaris L., Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., Taraxacum officinale Weber, sensu lato, and Tussilago farfara L. to light, nitrate, alternating temperatures, chilling, light quality, and water availability were studied in laboratory tests, using fresh seed and seed stored for 6 months at 27°C and buried in the soil. A factorial experiment with light, nitrate, alternating temperatures, and seed age as factors found that all four affected germination except in T. farfara. All three external factors were stimulatory, especially in combinations. Fresh seed of A. vulgaris and C. arvense showed a light x alternating temperature synergism, responded to chilling, and after-ripened in cold dry storage. That of T. farfara had no dormancy and rapid germination, and germinated well on substrates with a water content too low for the other species. Seed of A. millefolium and A. vulgaris had good survival in both experimental storage conditions, while that of C. arvense and T. officinale did not, and that of T. farfara did not survive. Longevity in both conditions was associated with depth of initial dormancy. The two conditions caused different changes in dormancy in both A. vulgaris and A. millefolium. The germination behaviour, and the size, morphology and dispersal of the seeds of the species are discussed as strategies adapted to intermittently available situations for seedling establishment.