Document Type : Research Paper
Abstract
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 longterm
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.
Main Subjects