Variations in the germination characteristics in response to environmental factors between the hairy and spiny seeds of hedge parsley (Torilis arvensis Huds.)

Abstract

Torilis arvensis Huds. produces two types of mericarps, spiny and hairy (referred to as seeds hereafter), but little information is available on their germination behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the different germination characteristics of hairy and spiny seeds in T. arvensis in response to environmental factors. Both seed types were dormant at harvesting, but the spiny type had a deeper dormancy level and required a more prolonged after‐ripping period. In general, T. arvensis seed germination and seedling emergence responses to examined factors were similar between the two seed types. The highest germination percentage was observed in pH 7. Germination was the highest at a temperature of 20°C. Light did not affect seed germination. T. arvensis was sensitive to osmotic stress induced by NaCl or PEG6000. No seedlings emerged when the seeds were buried at soil depth of 6 cm and deeper soil depths. The results indicate that T. arvensis has the potential to spread into more areas devoted to Apiaceae crops in Iran. Tillage would be beneficial to its effective control in these crops.