EXPLOITING WEED SEED DORMANCY AND GERMINATION REQUIREMENTS THROUGH AGRONOMIC PRACTICES

Many common agronomic practices affect weed seed dormancy and germinat ion by influencing the microenvirommental and edaphic conditions surro unding seeds in soil. Factors such as light penetration, soil water co ntent, soil fertility, and temperature are modified by tillage, planti ng, harvesting, and other production practices, resulting in enhanced or depressed weed seed germination. Changes in these environmental fac tors may also indirectly lead to alterations in phytohormone concentra tions during seed development, which can subsequently affect dormancy status of the mature seed. Integrated approaches that place priority o n depleting weed seed banks through interfering with dormancy or germi nation requirements have strong potential to enhance weed management a spects of agricultural systems.