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Chemical and environmental factors driving germination of Solanum americanum seeds
Author(s) -
Forte César Tiago,
Nunes Ubirajara Russi,
Filho Alberto Cargnelutti,
Galon Leandro,
Chechi Leonardo,
Roso Rodrigo,
Menegat André Dalponte,
Rossetto Emanuel De Oliveira,
Franceschetti Milena Barretta
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
weed biology and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.351
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1445-6664
pISSN - 1444-6162
DOI - 10.1111/wbm.12187
Subject(s) - germination , seedling , biology , agronomy , horticulture , weed
Solanum americanum Mill. is a weed that occurs with a number of crops, and it is known for its high seed production and its staggered germination. The objective of this work was to evaluate the germination behavior of S. americanum seeds under the influence of chemical and environmental factors. In the laboratory, we tested the effect on germination of (i) constant and alternating temperatures, (ii) seed washing, (iii) exposure time and concentration of chemical treatments and (iv) seeding depth and soil covered with plant residue on seedling emergence. The variables analyzed were germination percentage, germination rate index, seedling emergence and length of the seedlings. The results indicated that alternating temperatures are the main way to promote germination of S. americanum ; however, chemical treatments can help to increase the germination percentage and rate index. There was no increase in germination with seed washing, with the exception of KNO 3 application. A GA 3 concentration of 0.84 g L −1 and an exposure time of 21.22 h in 0.2% of KNO 3 promoted the highest germination of S. americanum . Germination occurs when seeds remain on the soil surface and are not covered by crop residue.