Factors Influencing Seed Germination of Itchgrass

Abstract

The factors influencing seed germination of itchgrass, i,e. days after harvesting, seed coat (hull), GA, KNO₃, osmotic potential, soil depth, and light intensity were examined. It was found that newly harvested seeds were dormancy. The dormancy was caused by physiological characteristics inside the seeds and seed coat. The period of physiological dormancy was 11 months after harvesting. However, the period of seed coat dormancy might by longer than 2 years after harvesting. GA at 25, 50 and 100 ppm could break dormancy of itchgrass seeds but not KNO₃. Seed kept at room temperature for 2 years could be well germinated at the osmotic potential of 0 to -2 bar. They could emerge when buried up to 20 cm, however most of them can germinate at 2 to 8 cm depth. Light did not seem to affect the germination of itchgrass seed.