Results from HGCA’s annual forecast of black-grass seed dormancy indicate a medium dormancy year, with no notable regional differences.
The mean germination rate, based on seed samples collected from across the UK, was calculated at 37% for 2010.
Dr James Holmes, HGCA Research Manager, said: “Black-grass seed dormancy is influenced by the weather during seed maturation, and similarly to 2009 we had a mixed picture this year of cooler weather in June followed by higher temperatures at the beginning of July.”
“Medium dormancy is not a result we have seen before, however like previous years some samples tested showed lower levels of dormancy, emphasising that local conditions are still important,” explains James Clarke, ADAS.
The black-grass dormancy survey is conducted annually to help forecast implications of dormancy on emergence patterns and optimise black-grass management. Samples were collected from 52 geographical locations by growers, AIC and AICC members, ADAS and Rothamsted Research.
For more information and management guidance in a medium dormancy year visit www.hgca.com/weedmanagement, where HGCA’s latest guides ‘Managing weeds in arable rotations’ and ‘Autumn grass weed control in cereals and oilseed rape’ can be found.
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