Influence of environmental factors on seed germination and seedling characteristics of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Abstract

Information regarding the germination and seedling growth behavior of a potential weed species is an important tool to manage weeds without the use of agricultural chemicals that cause harmful effects on human health and the environment. A series of experiments were directed to investigate the influence of different environmental factors (temperature, pH, NaCl, moisture stress, and seed burial depth) on germination and seedling emergence of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) under controlled conditions. Results suggested that 25 °C is the optimum temperature for maximum germination (95%) and seedling growth of perennial ryegrass, however, a quick decline was observed at 35 °C. Seed germination was unaffected by pH levels ranging from 5 to 10. The 92% seed germination was recorded where no salt stress was applied and germination was reduced by 87% at 250 mMNaCl concentration. Seed germination was unaffected by osmotic potential ranges from 0 to − 0.4 MPa thereafter declined and completely inhibited at − 0.8 or − 1.0 MPa. No seed emerged at the soil surface or a soil depth of 6 or 7 cm and 90% emergence occurred at 1 cmsoil depth. The germination and seedlings parameters like time to initial germination, mean germination time, time taken to 50% germination and germination index, root and shoot length, and fresh and dry weight of root and shoot are significantly affected with the environmental factors. The information obtained in this study will be helpful to develop better management strategies for germination and the emergence of perennial ryegrass in areas where it has the ability to rapidly colonize.

Comparison of the effect of temperature and water potential on the seed germination of five Pedicularis kansuensis populations from the Qinghai–Tibet plateau

“…kansuensis ’s extensive spread has had serious effects on grassland utilization because the hemiparasite suppresses the growth of grasses and legumes ( Bao et al., 2015b ; Qin et al., 2022 ; Sui et al., 2022 ). A high seed-setting rate, effective seed dispersal capability, and rapid adaptation to new habitats can accelerate the speed of weed spread ( Javaid et al., 2022 ). Therefore, seed germination is considered the most critical phase in plant development and the establishment of a new population ( Koger et al., 2004 ).…”

Allelopathic effect of aqueous extract of Polygonum bistorta and Terminalia chebula on germination and seedling growth of Daucus carota and Medicago polymorpha

“…Weeds in crop fields compete for nutrients and cause yield and quality loss (Nadeem et al, 2020a;Maqbool et al, 2021a;Javaid et al, 2022). Further 30% once a year yield wounded due to weeds that cause severe consequences on the growth of agricultural crops (Arooj et al, 2021;Maqbool et al, 2021b;Nadeem et al, 2020b).…”

“…Herbicides have helped farmers by enhancing crops yield while reducing the labor and time input. Indeed, without herbicides, labors have utmost outlay of crop invention in developed countries (Javaid et al, 2022;Arooj et al, 2021). However, arbitrary exploit of herbicides against weeds have resulted in herbicide resistance (Nadeem et al 2021a;Maqbool et al, 2022b).…”

Weed control and sustainable rice production through rice intensification system and conventional practices of weed competition periods and age of transplanted seedlings

“…It is very commonly known that weeds are the most important factor restricting high yield, so the effective management of weeds is a great challenge to rice growers (Singh et al, 2003). The weed density, period of completion, seed type, growth and development stage, sowing and technology are the most important reasons for the yield losses in rice (Chadhar et al, 2020, Maqbool et al, 2022aJavaid et al, 2022). Approximately 80% of yield losses are due to weeds in the rice field (Nadeem et al, 2020a).…”