Effects of some environmental factors on seed germination and seedling growth of Heliotropium europaeum L.

Abstract EN

The typical plant heliotrope (Heliotropium europaeum L.) is an extremely competitive weed that has recently become an invasive weed problem in many areas of the world.

if the species is not handled and produces a lot of little seeds, it will provide a remarkable colonizing and invasive capacity.

therefore, this study aimed to investigate some environmental aspects that may enhance or prohibit the seed germination and emergence, with the purpose of guiding the creation of long-term controlling plans to eradicate this plant.

for this investigation, seeds were gathered from a variety of mature plants in various locations.

the effects of temperature regimes, light, water stress, salinity, and burial depth on seed germination and seedling emergence of H.

europaeum were examined.

the results showed that seeds of H.

europaeum could germinate in a wide range of temperatures.

light clearly promoted seed germination, demonstrating that concealed seed will remain inactive until distressed.

water stress significantly decreased germination of H.

europaeum seeds.

Germination was reduced significantly to lee than 20 % at water potentials (-1 MPa).

over 80% of H.

europaeum seeds germinate at low salinity (100 mM NaCl), while reasonable germination (75%) occurs at 200 mM NaCl, indicating that the seeds are fairly tolerant to salinity.

in the burial depth treatment, the species' maximum appearance rates were 64.5 percent and 63 percent, at a depth of 0.5 cm and surface treatments.

the findings of this research might be used to help create long- term controlling for this harmful plant.