Seed biology of brome grass weeds (Bromus diandrus and B hordeaceus) and effects of land management

Abstract

Aspects of seed biology of ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) and soft brome (B hordeaceus) were studied in relation to land management practices Among the practices tested burning stubble had a detrimental effect on seed survival The majority of seeds close to the soil surface were charred or nonviable following a stubble fire Overall higher brome infestation was measured in notillage compared to minimum tillage or burning treatments More than 80 of the seeds of both species emerged in the field within the first couple of months after planting and full germination was achieved by spring Seed burial at depths from 1 to 20 cm did not significantly affect germination but seedling establishment and vigour was reduced with seed depth Implications of these results in management of brome grasses are discussed