SEED GERMINATION ECOLOGY OF Lathyrus aphaca L. AND Vicia sativa L. IN COMPARISON WITH Triticum aestivum L.

This study investigated the influence of various environmental factors and burial depths on seed germination and seedling growth of Lathyrus aphaca L. and Vicia sativa L. in comparison with wheat in order to suggest field modifications that would favor winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germination and suppress weed germination. The highest germination percentage was recorded at 15°C for wheat and L. aphaca and at 20°C for V. sativa. Germination under light and dark conditions did not differ in L. aphaca and V. sativa, and were equivalent to wheat. Increase in drought stress level decreased germination and seedling growth and increased the days to 50% germination and mean germination time in all the three species. All salinity levels except 50% NaCl in wheat caused 100% germination inhibition. The seedling emergence decreased significantly (P≤0.05,) when seeding depth was increased beyond 3 cm in wheat and L. aphaca. Both the weed species showed greater emergence (100%) than wheat at 1, 2 and 3 cm depth. Emergence was slowest at 10 cm. These observations explore some of the factors contributing to success of these weed species in varied environments and provide useful information that could contribute to their control.