The Role of Seed Dormancy and Germination in Devising Weed Control Methods

Abstract

It is widely recognized that seed dormancy and germination strategies contribute to the perpetuation of weeds as agricultural pests. Also, the status of weed and crop germination contributes to the safe use, effectiveness, and to some extent, selectivity of herbicides. It is necessary to consider some facts about the biology of weed seeds in soils. In order to devise weed control technologies based on influencing seed dormancies, one must understand the actual dormancy mechanisms occurring under field and laboratory conditions. Phenomena such as flushes of weed germination following soil disturbances, and effects of crop canopy shading on reducing weed germination appear to act through phytochrome. Unfavorable gaseous composition of the soil atmosphere may deter weed germination as depth increases. Further, among the soil inhabitants, weed seeds are generally the least sensitive to chemicals. Seed dormancy and its control is an extremely important consideration in attempting a diminution of the annual weed problem.