Seed Viability and Dormancy of Vicia villosa as a Weed in Cereal Fields Under Different Storage Conditions

Abstract

Seed viability and dormancy of Vicia villosa as a weed in cereal fields under different storage conditions were investigated to understand its persistence, germination behavior, and long-term survival potential in agroecosystems. Seeds collected from infested cereal fields were subjected to various storage conditions differing in temperature, moisture regimes, and storage duration. Germination tests were conducted periodically to assess changes in viability, dormancy release, and germination percentage under controlled laboratory conditions. Results indicated that storage conditions significantly influenced both seed viability and dormancy dynamics. Seeds stored under cool and dry conditions maintained higher viability over extended periods, while warm and humid storage conditions accelerated viability loss. Dormancy intensity varied with storage environment, with certain conditions promoting gradual dormancy release and increased germination potential over time. Mechanical and physiological dormancy mechanisms were observed to contribute to delayed germination, enabling seed persistence in soil seed banks. Variation in germination response suggested strong adaptability of V. villosa seeds to fluctuating environmental conditions commonly encountered in cereal-based cropping systems. The study highlights the role of seed storage environment in regulating dormancy behavior and persistence of V. villosa, contributing to its success as a competitive weed in cereal fields. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding seed biology for predicting weed emergence patterns and developing effective integrated weed management strategies targeting soil seed banks.