Evaluation of Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Maneh-Samalghan Ecotype Seed Response to Temperature and Light

Abstract

Introduction: Velvetleaf is one of the most important weeds of cotton, corn, tomato, and soybean fields. Certainly, knowledge of weed seed response to environmental factors (light and temperature) is essential for better understanding the germination mechanism and establishment patterns of weeds community. The present study aimed to evaluate the interaction between light regimes and alternate temperature on the seed germination of velvetleaf.Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted in 2015 at the plant physiology laboratory of Bojnourd Branch, IAU. This study was performed as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. The treatments were temperature regimes at four levels (constant temperatures 25C, alternating temperatures 25-15, 30-20 and 35-25C) and photoperiod treatments at three levels (continuous darkness, 12-12 light and dark and 16-8 light and dark). Germination percentage, germination rate, germination uniformity, time to 10% germination, and time to 90% germination were evaluated by the Germin program.Results: The results showed that all traits were affected by temperature and light. Velvetleaf seeds germinated better in the presence of light and alternating temperature. The percentage and rate of germination increased as temperature rised to 30°c and then decreased. However, seed reaction to the night temperature was higher than that of the day temperature. The highest germination percent (98 percent) was achieved under alternating temperature 25-15°C with 12-12h light-dark. In this study, the lowest time required for 10% and 90% germination and highest germination uniformity were observed under alternating temperatures 30-20°C in darkness.Conclusion: According to the results of this experiment, velvetleaf seeds are able to germinate in a wide range of light and temperature conditions, although they germinate better in the presence of light and alternate temperatures. Therefore, plowing with a moldboard plow can stimulate germination and drain the soil seed bank.