title: Study of factors influencing the germination of Apera spica-venti(L.) P. Beauv. in controlled conditions.
abstract: Apera spica-venti (L.) P. Beauv. is a common weed of cereal crops widely spread in Northern and Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, Siberia and Canada. Given the ability of Apera spica-venti to grow and develop in Wallonia and lack of scientific knowledge of its biology, germination tests were performed on four populations. These laboratory tests were carried on according to the standards of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) in order to study three key factors (composition of water solution, presence/absence of pre-chilling and temperature) influencing the germination of the seeds. Germination tests showed that a solution containing 2 g/L of KNO3 and alternating night/day temperatures between 10 degrees C and 30 degrees C favorably influence the germination of Apera spica-venti. These results in controlled conditions are a premise for greenhouse and field tests.
authors.forename: W R Meza
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Morales
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vanbellinghen
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bodson
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Henriet
mesh_terms: D018525:Germination; D008027:Light; D057685:Plant Weeds / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000528:radiation effects; D006109:Poaceae / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000528:radiation effects; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013696:Temperature