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Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L.) is a major rangeland weed pest in California and other western states. Two complementary aspects of seed biology were examined: germination and seed bank dynamics. Achenes were tested for changes in germinability over time using various light, temperature, and moisture treatments. Soil cores were collected over time to monitor changes in achene density. Both plumed and nonplumed achenes exhibited photo reversible responses to red and far-red light. White and red light enhanced germination above that occurring in darkness. Achenes showed seasonal changes in germinability, which were characteristic of conditional dormancy. Exposure of achenes to field conditions during summer alleviated primary dormancy, allowing germination to occur at higher temperatures and lower substrate moisture. Nonplumed achenes collected in winter showed reduced germinability at or above moderate temperatures under both single and multiple light exposures. Imbibition and moderately low temperatures with subsequent drying induced secondary conditional dormancy in some achenes. Plumed achenes dominated the soil seed bank before the rainy season, then declined rapidly following rain. Nonplumed achenes peaked after rains began, then declined. Although nearly all achenes were depleted after 4 years, both types remained, showing annual cycles of high and low germinability in autumn and late spring, respectively.Key words: light, phytochrome, conditional dormancy, longevity. |
