Journal article

Heliotropium europaeum only germinates following sufficient rainfall to allow reproduction

JR Hunt, RD Cousens, SE Knights

JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS | ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD | Published : 2009

Abstract

Regions with Mediterranean climates are seasonally arid and provide a niche for ephemeral species which germinate following discrete and variable rainfall during summer. These species must be able to detect when conditions are suitable for completion of their life cycle. Common heliotrope (Heliotropium europaeum) is one such species. It is considered a weed in its naturalised habitat in southern Australia as it uses resources that could be used by ensuing crops, and is toxic to livestock. We examined common heliotrope's germination responses to temperature and water potential, the effect of simulated rainfall on seedling emergence and plant growth in lysimeters. Fresh seeds of common heliotr..

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Grants

Awarded by Grains Research and Development Corporation


Funding Acknowledgements

Research funded by Grains Research and Development Corporation project No. DAS293. We would like to thank Michael Moerkerk and the Victorian Department of Primary Industries for their contribution to this project.