Seed Germination Characteristics of Kochia scoparia

Abstract

Kochia (Kochia scoparia) seed germination was investigated in relation to various regimes of temperatures and light, salinity, pH, and osmotic potential. Germination was highest at cool to moderate temperatures. Percentage germination was greater than or equal to 88% at continuous temperatures of 5 to 25 degrees C and at alternating temperatures of 5-15, 10-20, 15-25, and 20-30 degrees C. Percentage germination was not higher at alternating than with constant temperatures. Light was not required for germination. Germination was not affected by 6 salts (NaCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, KCL, Na2 SO4, and MgSO4) at conductances up to 20 mmhos. Increasing conductances of NaCl and CaCl2 solutions from 25 to 40 mmhos by 5 mmho increments progressively reduced germination. Germination was ≥40% in the 40 mmhos conductance of both salts. Kochia seed germination was highly tolerant of extremes of pH and was not reduced by simulated moisture stress until osmotic potential reached -8 bars. Seedling emergence for kochia seeds left exposed on the soil surface was significantly higher than those buried with soil.