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Germination of Hymenachne amplexicaulis and H. acutigluma under contrasting light, temperature and nitrate regimes

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Campbell, S.D., Carter, E.A. and Setter, M.J. (2009) Germination of Hymenachne amplexicaulis and H. acutigluma under contrasting light, temperature and nitrate regimes. Plant Protection Quarterly, 24 (1). pp. 10-14.

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Article Link: https://caws.org.nz/PPQ2324/PPQ%2024-1%20pp010-14%...

Abstract

A laboratory experiment compared germination of the invasive exotic grass Hymenachne amplexicaulis (Rudge) Nees and the native H. acutigluma (Steud.) Gilliland. Seeds of both species were exposed to combinations of light (constant dark, alternating dark/light or constant light), temperature (constant or alternating) and nitrate regimes (with or without the addition of KNO3). Three seed lots of H. amplexicaulis (fresh, two adn four months old) and one of H. acutigluma (fresh seed) were tested.

A significant temperature x light x nitrate x seed lot interaction occured. At a constant temperature very few seeds of either H. amplexicaulis or H. acutigluma germinated, regardless of the light regime or addition of KNO3. Generally, maximum germination occurred under a combination of alternating temperature, the presence of light (either constant or alternating) and the addition of KNO3. The exception was four month stored H. amplexicaulis seed, which reached maximum germinaction without the need for KNO3. Fresh seed of both H. amplexicaulis and H. acutigluma exhibited similar germination requirements.

These findings suggest that conditions that buffer seeds from light and/or temperature fluctuations could reduce germination and possibly extend the life of seed banks of both H. amplexicaulis and H. acutigluma. Conversely, for land managers trying to control the exotic H. amplexicaulis, activities that create more favourable conditions for germination may help deplete seed banks faster.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Biosecurity Queensland
Keywords:Weeds; germination; seed banks; exotic grasses; habitat; growth; reproduction; genetics.
Subjects:Science > Invasive Species > Plants > Weed ecology
Science > Invasive Species > Plants > Integrated weed control
Live Archive:20 Aug 2009 04:55
Last Modified:28 Oct 2021 04:14

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