Factors affecting seed germination ofEchium plantagineumL. andTrifolium subterraneumL.

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Abstract
Summary: Echium plantagineumL. is a widespread, persistent, and often dominant volunteer species in southern Australia. This paper describes laboratory and field experiments investigating seed germination in E. plantagineum and a commonly associated species, Trifolium subterraneum L. In the laboratory, E. plantagineum germination was favoured by relatively high temperatures, and the seed showed considerable innate and temperature‐enforced dormancy. In the field, this dormancy appeared to prevent some germination in response to rainfalls immediately after seed formation, and permitted sporadic germination during summer and autumn in subsequent years. In 1972 and 1974, both species emerged well in autumn whilst E. plantagineum was favoured in summer and T. subterraneum was favoured in winter. No seedlings emerged in spring. Emergence appeared to be controlled primarily by moisture availability and temperature but also was affected by cultivation and removal of soil‐surface litter. The results of these seed germination studies show that E. plantagineum is well adapted to persist in a Mediterranean‐type climate, and will be favoured in years with early seasonal breaks. T. subterraneum is likely to be favoured with later breaks.

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