Biology of <i>Commelina benghalensis</i> L. in south‐eastern Queensland. 2. Seed dormancy, germination and emergence

Abstract

Summary Germination of freshly harvested seeds of Commelina benghalensis L. varied from 0–3% for small aerial seeds, 20–35% for large aerial seeds and from 33% for small underground seeds to 90% for large underground seeds. Innate dormancy of all seed types was completely overcome by clipping the seed coat. Exposure to 90°C dry heat for 2 h was also effective in increasing germination of the three strongly dormant seed types. Optimum temperature for germination varied with the different seed types. Periods of likely major weed infestation from the four seed types were predicted using soil temperature data. Exposure to light increased germination but was not essential and underground seeds responded more to light than aerial seeds. Optimum depth of emergence for the four seed types was from 0 to 50 mm and there was a positive correlation between maximum depth of emergence and seed weight.