Germination Ecology of Herbicide-Resistant Population of Littleseed Canarygrass from North–Western India. Issue 3 (3rd May 2016) - Sethi, Renu
ABSTRACT: Littleseed canarygrass ( Phalaris minor Retz.) is a most dominant weed of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) in the north-western states of India. Little information is available on germination of littleseed canarygrass and wheat under similar ecological conditions. The present study was conducted under controlled conditions to study germination ecology of littleseed canarygrass population possessing multiple-herbicide resistance, along with wheat. Germination of littleseed canarygrass and wheat was independent of light. Optimum temperature for germination of littleseed canarygrass and wheat was 20°C. Germination of both species was completely inhibited at osmotic potentials lower than −0.4 MPa. Seeds of littleseed canarygrass and wheat were able to germinate even at NaCl concentration of 200 mM, with complete inhibition at 300 mM. Germination of both species was favored in a pH range of 5–8. Moisture, salinity, and pH stresses significantly reduced the speed of germination, with a concomitant increase in mean germination time, thus exposing seedlings to longer periods of less favorable conditions. This information should help in predicting potential distribution of littleseed canarygrass to new areas and also assist in formulating effective weed-management strategies for the future.