Bromus sterilis – expansive weed, germination and weed thresholds

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Bromus sterilis seed burying, different day/night temperatures and also different water pH of the subsoil on B. sterilis  germination. Moreover, the weed thresholds in winter wheat cultivation were defined in these studies. B. sterilis become a serious problem in winter sown cereals and therefore the studies connected with the weed distribution and weed biology are necessary.

Results show that B. sterilis seeds buried at the 1.5 cm depth were characterized by the best and the earliest germination. Strong reduction of B. sterilis seeds germination was observed at the 10 cm depth seed burying. Range of tested day/night temperatures and water pH did not affect the seeds germination; however, differentiated speed of this process was observed. Increasing B. sterilis infestation has a significant effect on such parameters as ears number per sq. m., weight of 1000 grains and winter wheat grain yield.