Germination ecology of wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) and its implications for weed management

Abstract

Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) is a widespread weed of the southeastern cropping region of Australia. Seed germination ecology of S. arvensis populations selected from different climatic regions may differ due to adaptative traits. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of temperature, light, radiant heat, soil moisture, salt concentration, and burial depth on seed germination and seedling emergence of two [Queensland (Qld) population: tropical region; and Victoria (Vic) population: temperate region] populations of S. arvensis. Both populations germinated over a wide range of day/night (12 h/12 h) temperatures (15/5 to 35/25 C), and had the highest germination at 30/20 C. Under complete darkness, the Qld population (61%) had higher germination than the Vic population (21%); however, under the light/dark regime, both populations had similar germination (78 to 86%). At 100 C pretreatment for 5 min, the Qld population (44%) had higher germination than the Vic population (13%). Germination of both populations was nil when given pretreatment at 150 and 200 C. The Vic population was found tolerant to high osmotic and salt stress compared with the Qld population. At an osmotic potential of −0.4 MPa, germination of Qld and Vic populations was reduced by 85% and 42%, respectively, compared with their respective control. At 40, 80, and 160 mM sodium chloride, germination of the Qld population was lower than the Vic population. Averaged over the populations, seedling emergence was highest (52%) from a burial depth of 1 cm and was nil from 8 cm depth. Differential germination behaviors of both populations to temperature, light, radiant heat, water stress, and salt stress suggests that populations of S. arvensis may have undergone differential adaptation. Knowledge gained from this study will assist in developing suitable control measures for this weed species to reduce the soil seedbank.

Influence of environmental factors on seed germination and seedling emergence of Amaranthus blitoides S. Watson and A. hybridus L.

“…The reaction of seedling emergence to seed planting depth suggests that shallow tillage operations may increase both A. blitoides and A. hybridus emergence while deeper tillage can bury more A. blitoides and A. hybridus seeds in the soil and reduce seedling emergence of the weeds in the following crop. Such results have also previously been reported by Singh et al (2022) in wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.).…”

Herbicide response and germination behavior of two goosegrass (Eleusine indica) populations in the Australian environment

“…Despite this, it is still entirely feasible that the Gatton population can germinate earlier and can continue to germinate in higher temperature conditions. Differential germination behavior as a result of various environmental circumstances was also reported in S. arvensis (Singh et al 2022) and B. tournefortii populations from Queensland and southern Australia (Chauhan et al 2006a;Singh et al 2021).…”

“…One of the most crucial elements affecting a seed’s ability to germinate is temperature. Due to varying temperature requirements, differential seed germination and emergence behavior have been seen in different populations of weed species such as African mustard ( Brassica tournefortii Gouan) and wild mustard ( Sinapis arvensis L.) (Chauhan et al 2006a; Singh et al 2021; Singh et al 2022); although, for the Australian populations of E. indica , such information has not been published.…”

False Seedbed for Agroecological Weed Management in Forage Cereal–Legume Intercrops and Monocultures in Greece

“…The occurrence of this weed is similar to that of other small-seed broadleaf weeds and requires some seed exposure to light and adequate soil moisture (70% of field capacity) [35]. Propagation is by seed only; seeds germinate at temperatures ranging from 1.5 C considered the most suitable temperature for radicle germination [36]. Seeds usually have a dormancy period of 2 years, but older studies report that they can remain viable in soil for up to 60 years [35].…”

“…Seeds usually have a dormancy period of 2 years, but older studies report that they can remain viable in soil for up to 60 years [35]. In the most recent study by Singh et al [36], emergence was highest, i.e., 52%, at a burial depth of 1 cm, and 29%, 46%, and 23% at the surface and at 2-and 4-cm depths, respectively.…”