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Germination and Persistence of Achenes of Scotch Thistle

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 June 2017

James A. Young  and
Raymond A. Evans
James A. Young
Affiliation:
Plant Sci. Res. Div., Agr. Res. Ser., U. S. Dep. of Agr., Univ. of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89507
Raymond A. Evans
Affiliation:
Plant Sci. Res. Div., Agr. Res. Ser., U. S. Dep. of Agr., Univ. of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89507
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Abstract

Achenes of Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium L.) contain a water-soluble germination inhibitor and are sensitive to differences in light quality. Germination of these achenes can be enhanced by the addition of 0.14 mmole of gibberellic acid and 1.0 mmole of potassium nitrate to the substrate. Dissected embryos exhibit germination responses similar to those observed for achenes. Naturally-distributed achenes recovered from the soil in the field increased in germination under fluorescent light and after washing. Achenes will not germinate on the surface of a constant-moisture-supplying substrate when exposed to an unsaturated atmosphere. The physical environment of the seedbed apparently is paramount in controlling germination and persistence of achenes of Scotch thistle.

Type
Research Article
Information
Weed Science , Volume 20 , Issue 1 , January 1972 , pp. 98 - 101
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

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References

Literature Cited

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