Short communication. Secondary dormancy in Diplotaxis erucoides: a possible adaptative strategy as an annual weed

摘要

The germination of stored Diplotaxis erucoides seed was studied under controlled conditions of temperature and light by conducting germination tests over three years after collection. The D. erucoides seed was not dormant at harvest, but secondary dormancy appeared during storage as indicated by reduced germination 12 months after collection (from 92% down to 39%). This could be overcome by prolonged storage or by the use of gibberellic acid. Such shifts between dormancy and non-dormancy can be interpreted in terms of the soil seed bank dynamics in relation to intra-specific competition and/or with its adaptation as an annual weed in periodically disturbed soil in cultivated areas.