Seed Survival and Seasonal Emergence of Seedlings of Some Ruderal Plants

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Abstract
Seeds of 11 spp. which occur as ruderals were collected, usually in each of 3 yr, and mixed with the top 7.5 cm of sterilized soil confined in cylinders sunk in the ground outdoors and cultivated 3 times yearly [UK]. Seedling emergence was recorded for 5 yr and the numbers of viable seeds remaining then determined. Emergence of Cynoglossum officinale occurred during the 1st spring. Some seedlings of Plantago lanceolata emerged shortly after sowing, with further seedlings in early spring. Persistence of seeds of both species was of short duration and few seedlings appeared after the 2nd yr. The numbers of seedlings of the other species emerging in successive years declined more gradually and the viable seeds remaining after 5 yr ranged from 0.6% (Geranium pusillum) to 8.8% (P. major) of those sown. There were consistent seasonal patterns of seedling emergence. Peak emergence of Lamium album occurred from Feb. to April while that of Silene alba, Stachys sylvatica and Urtica dioica was in March or April with further seedlings, especially of S. alba, appearing later in spring and summer. Emergence of P. major and Malva neglecta began in April and continued until September, while that of G. pusillum and M. sylvestris was largely restricted to the summer months. Limited data for M. moschata indicated both spring and autumn peaks. It is suggested that information of this kind can be of value in anticipating potential weed problems.