Effect of the habitat on the mass and germinative capacity of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum L.) achenes

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum L.) is a overwintering annual or biennial herb, which propagates only generatively. We estimated the germinative capacity and weight of its achenes harvested on different habitats. The territory where achenes were picked up is situated in the municipality Holice near Olomouc, Czech Republic (altitude of 220-235 m). Material was collected in the years 2002 and 2003 on two different habitats. The first one was on a field after sugar beet and maize as preceding crops, the second one was an adjacent balk. The mass of seeds was estimated in ten replications (100 achenes each). Thereafter the achenes were weighed on an analytical scales. The germinative capacity was assessed under different conditions of germination. Altogether there were 8 variants of germination conditions in 10 replications (20 achenes each). The first and the last evaluation were performed on the 9^th and 30^th day of the experiment, respectively. The total average mass of 100 achenes originating from all habitats and both experimental years was 0.23 g. The total average germinative capacity of poison hemlock achenes was 53%. The mass of achenes from the balk site was significantly higher than those from the field but the difference in their germinative capacity was statistically insignificant. It was concluded that the hemlock can be considered as a negatively photoblastic plant. Its achenes which become ripe in the proximity of fields can show an important effect on their weed infestation.

Keywords: poison hemlock, Conium maculatum L., achenes mass and germinability

Grants and funding:

Tato práce je součástí projektů QC 1254 a 1B53045 financovaných Národní agenturou pro zemědělský výzkum, Ministerstva zemědělství České republiky.