ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Study on Environmental Conditions of Seed
Germination and Seedling Growth of Invasive
Plant Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson
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1
College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 30071, China
2
School of Life Science and Technology, Jining Normal University, Ulanqab 012000, China
Submission date: 2021-05-10
Final revision date: 2021-06-19
Acceptance date: 2021-06-25
Online publication date: 2021-11-24
Publication date: 2022-01-28
Corresponding author
Fuchen Shi
College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Weijin Road, 300071, Tianjin, China
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2022;31(1):681-690
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ABSTRACT
To determine germination, seedling growth and vigor indices from the aspects of germination
temperature, light, moisture, salt environment, and artificial aging, the germination test was
performed on Amaranthus palmeri seeds under different environmental conditions. It was found that:
i. Amaranthus palmeri seeds were capable of germinating at 15-40ºC, and germination rate (GR)
increased as temperature increased; ii. Seedling growth rate was highest at 25ºC; iii. Light delayed seed
germination and inhibited seedling growth; iv. Seed germination was inhibited when water potential
was lower than -0.32 MPa, while a very low GR was detected when water potential was lower than
-1.10 MPa; v. Seed GR was inhibited at 4 g/L salt levels, while seedling growth rates were strongly
inhibited at 8 g/L salinity; vi. Seed vigor was inhibited after artificial aging for 6 days, and all growth
indices were inhibited after artificial aging for 15 days, however, germinability was 69%. Amaranthus
palmeri exhibited a higher risk of invasion in areas with hot and humid climates as well as with low
degrees of soil salinization. Exposure of seeds to light can reduce the competitiveness of the Amaranthus
palmeri population and seeds preserved in higher soil temperature can shorten their life.