Evaluation the seed dormancy and germination of black bindweed (Polygonum convolvulus L.)

Weeds reduce crop growth and yield through interference and competition with the crop. Polygonum convolvulus L. is an annual weed from the Polygonaceae family. In order to investigate the effect of different treatments in breaking the P. convolvulus seed dormancy, a study was conducted in the weed research laboratory of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 2020. The treatments included after-ripening (for seven months), different concentrations of gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate, hot water treatment, mechanical scarification with sandpaper, sulfuric acid (98%), chilling at 4 °C and cutting the seed coat. The results showed that after-ripening, gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate, immersion of seeds in hot water and scarification with sandpaper had no effect on seed germination. Treatment of P. convolvulus seeds with sulfuric acid as well as chilling caused germination in the seeds. Also, scarification the P. convolvulus seed coat around the embryo caused maximum seed germination (87%). The highest germination percentage of P. convolvulus seeds was observed in combined treatment of sulfuric acid treatment (20 minutes) and chilling (15 day) (91.66%) and scarified the seed coat (87%), which were not significantly different. According to the obtained results, it can be stated that the mechanical resistance of seed coat against embryonic growth is the main cause of dormancy in P. convolvulus seeds.