Germination Ecology and Seedbank Characteristics of Buglossoides arvensis in Winter Cereal Cropping Systems

Abstract

Buglossoides arvensis (L.) I.M.Johnst. (corn gromwell, Boraginaceae) has emerged as an increasingly problematic annual weed in winter cereal cropping systems, exhibiting competitive vigor, herbicide tolerance, and a capacity for persistent seedbank accumulation that collectively challenge conventional weed management approaches. Despite its expanding agronomic significance across temperate cereal-growing regions, fundamental ecological knowledge regarding its germination biology and seedbank dynamics remains insufficiently documented, constraining the development of evidence-based integrated weed management strategies. This study investigated the germination ecology and seedbank characteristics of B. arvensis under controlled laboratory and field conditions to elucidate the environmental factors governing seedling emergence and population persistence. Germination responses to a range of temperature regimes, light exposures, burial depths, osmotic stress levels, and pH gradients were systematically evaluated to define the ecological limits of seed germination. Seedbank persistence was assessed through seasonal soil core sampling across replicated field plots in winter wheat and barley production systems, with seed viability determined using tetrazolium and controlled germination tests. Emergence periodicity was monitored under field conditions to characterize the temporal pattern of seedling recruitment in relation to sowing date and tillage practice. Results demonstrated that B. arvensis seeds exhibit a pronounced dormancy mechanism, with germination strongly promoted by specific temperature alternations and suppressed at burial depths exceeding optimal thresholds. Seedbank longevity analyses indicated substantial inter-seasonal persistence, with viable seeds detected beyond twelve months following initial deposition. These findings provide critical ecological parameters for predictive emergence modeling and the refinement of cultural and chemical control tactics targeting B. arvensis in winter cereal agroecosystems.