Understanding seed characteristics and seedling establishment patterns is essential for the development of effective management strategies for invasive annual species.Dittrichia graveolens(stinkwort) has increased its range rapidly within California since 1995, yet its biology is not well understood, which has led to poorly timed management. In this study, seed viability, germination, longevity, and dormancy, as well as seedling emergence characteristics ofD. graveolenswere evaluated in field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments in Davis, CA, over a 2-yr period (fall 2010 to summer 2012). In the laboratory, seed germination ofD. graveolensoccurred at a wide range of constant temperatures (12 to 34 C). Cumulative germination was comparable to total seed viability (80 to 95%) at optimal germination temperatures, indicating that primary (innate) dormancy is likely absent. The base temperature for germination was identified using a thermal time model: 6.5 C and 4 C for 2010 and 2011 seed populations, respectively. In the field, seedlings emerged from fall through spring following precipitation events. A very low percentage of seedlings (2.5%) emerged in the second year after planting. Equivalent seedling emergence was observed over a wide range of light conditions (100, 50, 27, and 9% of available sunlight) in a greenhouse experiment, indicating that seed germination is not limited by high or low light. Results from these seed experiments improve our understanding of the reproductive biology of this rapidly expanding exotic annual and provide valuable information for developing effective timing and longevity of management programs.

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