Effects of temperature fluctuation, water potential and litter on seed germination and emergence of pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.)

Abstract

Emergence under irrigated or covering litter treatments in a gap and beneath caopy, germination at four levels of water potential under simulated temperature fluctuation regime were measured for pokeweed. Germination was reduced and prolonged with decrease in water potential. Emergence was inhibited by low temperature fluctuation and litter. The emergence patterns in canopy gap resembled with that of PEG 10 % treatment under simulated temperature regime. Germination of pokeweed was affected by temperature fluctuation than water potential in a field.