Seed Germination and Seedling Emergence of Jointed Goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica)

Abstract

Germination of jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica Host.) seed in nitrate nitrogen (NO−3-N), gibberellic acid (GA3), or distilled water was studied in the laboratory, and depth of emergence of seedlings from soil was studied in the greenhouse and laboratory. After 14 days in germination chambers in distilled water, no difference in percent germination of 1-yr-old or freshly harvested seed existed between 10, 15, or 20 C. Jointed goatgrass seed germinated at temperatures ranging from 10 to 35 C and responded to temperature more than to NO−3-N. Seedlings did not emerge from below 5 cm in greenhouse and 6 cm in laboratory studies even though germination occurred. Jointed goatgrass has the seed germination and seedling emergence characteristics to develop into a severe annual grass weed in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-producing regions, particularly where reduced-tillage practices are utilized.