Selected aspects of tiny vetch [Vicia hirsuta (L.) Gray S.F.] seed ecology: generative reproduction and effects of seed maturity and seed storage on seed germination

Abstract

A b s t r a c tVicia hirsuta (L.) Gray S.F. (tiny vetch) is a common and persistent segetal weed. Tiny vetch seeds and pods reach different stages of maturity during the crop harvest season. Some seeds that mature before cereal harvest are shed in the field and deposited in the soil seed bank, while others become incorporated into seed material.The objective of this study was to describe selected aspects of tiny vetch seed ecology: to determine the rate of individual reproduction of vetch plants growing in winter and spring grain crops and to evaluate the germination of seeds at different stages of maturity, subject to storage conditions.The seeds and pods of V. hirsuta were sorted according to their development stages at harvest and divided into two groups. The first group was stored under laboratory conditions for two months. In the autumn of the same year, the seeds were subjected to germination tests. The remaining seeds were stored in a storeroom, and were planted in soil in the spring. The germination rate was evaluated after 8 months of storage.Potential productivity (developed pods and flowers, fruit buds) was higher in plants fruiting in winter wheat than in spring barley. Vetch plants produced around 17-26% more pods (including cracked, mature, greenish-brown and green pods) and around 25% less buds in winter wheat than in spring barley.Immature seeds were characterized by the highest germination capacity. Following storage under laboratory conditions and stratification in soil, mature seeds germinated at a rate of several percent. After storage in a storeroom, seeds at all three development stages broke dormancy at a rate of 72-75%. The high germination power of tiny vetch seeds stored in a storeroom indicates that this plant can be classified as an obligatory speirochoric weed species.

Malva verticillata L. and Vicia hirsuta (L.) S.F. Gray - invasive Species of Siberia (Overview)

“…The most harmful is the ability to clog the seeds of cultivated plants. This is a typical speirochorous weed (Kucewicz et al, 2010). Its seeds are difficult to separate of the fineseeded cultures (Rape, Mustard, Camelina, Phacelia, etc.).…”

Effect of water availability and seed source on physical dormancy break of Vicia villosa ssp. villosa

“…PY is considered one of the main traits responsible for the control of germination of several angiosperms, including the largest, and agronomically valuable, legume family Fabaceae (de Souza et al ., 2012). Barriers to water movement across the seed are acquired during the end of the seed ripening phase on the mother plant (Hyde, 1954; Rolston, 1978; Kucewicz et al ., 2010; Gama-Arachchige et al ., 2011). Under natural conditions, such seeds, usually termed ‘hard seeds’, remain under PY until the seed coat turns permeable by the action of environmental factors (Hu et al ., 2009).…”

“…Seed stratification after seed maturity is cited as a successful PY-break treatment for V. grandiflora Scop., V. cracca L., V. hirsuta L. (Gray), V. bythinica L. and V. ervilia L. Willd. (Elkins et al ., 1966; Van Assche et al ., 2003; Samarah et al ., 2003, 2004; Kucewicz et al ., 2010; Basaran et al ., 2012; Uzun et al ., 2013). Conversely, PY break of V. villosa generally occurs by exposure to high temperatures (i.e.…”