Germination behaviour in seeds of Diplotaxis erucoides and D. virgata

Summary The seed germination behaviour of four populations each of Diplotaxis erucoides (L.) DC. and D. virgata (Cav.) DC, two weedy Brassicaceae species widely distributed in the Mediterranean region, was studied under controlled light, temperature and moisture conditions. Germination rates in D. virgata were generally higher at alternating (25/15^C) and low (15^C) temperatures, whereas in D. erucoides optimal germination rates were achieved at higher temperatures (25^C). No correlation between seed weight and germination was found in either species. In D. virgata, the geographic origin of the seed had an important effect on germination percentage. Great germination variability was found among the populations and even among seeds belonging to the same population. In this species, the application of gibberellic acid stimulated germination, especially in the populations with higher dormancy levels. Dormancy was found in mature D. virgata seeds but not in those of D. erucoides. In both species, germination percentages decreased after a certain period of storage at low temperatures. This period varied depending on the species and the population considered.