THE EFFECT OF SEED MATURITY, STORAGE ON THE SOIL SURFACE, AND BURIAL ON SEEDS OF Thlaspi arvense L.

Abstract

The development and germination of immature stinkweed (Thlaspi arvense L.) seeds were investigated under greenhouse and field conditions. In the greenhouse test, there was nearly 100% germination of seeds with a maturity of 15–16 days after anthesis. Seeds from clipped plants buried at 8 cm for 2–5 wk were lighter in weight than either seeds from plants clipped and stored on the soil surface or seeds collected immediately after clipping. Storage conditions influenced both seed coat color and dormancy. Mature seeds from plants stored on the ground turned dark reddish brown, while those from plants stored under the soil turned black. Storage under either set of conditions decreased the dormancy of stinkweed seeds compared to the controls. The more mature seeds from the field-grown populations were more dormant than those from plants grown in the greenhouse, and had slower germination rates. Immature green seeds only 6 days past anthesis were capable of germinating and producing seedlings. It is suggested that for control of stinkweed plants, cultivation should be carried out within 6 days following anthesis of the first stinkweed flowers.Key words: Immature seeds, stinkweed, dormancy