Chenopodium album is a fast-growing annual weed in Amaranthaceae family, native to temperate Eurasia. Seeds are photoblastic and require light for germination, with maximum germination at 25°C. The species produces two seed morphs (black and brown) with different dormancy requirements and shows complex germination regulation involving light, temperature, nitrate, and phytohormones.
Before sowing
Seeds show seed heteromorphism with two morphs (black and brown) having different dormancy levels; brown seeds germinate readily while black seeds require light and may need gibberellin treatment or ethylene and nitrate for dormancy release
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Brown seeds germinate readily with light; black seeds show physiological dormancy requiring light, gibberellin, ethylene, and/or nitrate; seeds must be on or very near soil surface for light penetration; burial deeper than 2 cm drastically reduces emergence; gibberellic acid can improve germination of dormant populations; after-ripening 3-5 weeks at 4°C in dark moist conditions enhances germination; seeds are highly sensitive to phytochrome and require red light quality similar to direct sunlight rather than light filtered through green vegetation
Sources: Wang T, et al. (2022) Germination ecology of Chenopodium album L. PLOS ONE 17(10):e0276176; Chauhan BS studies on C. album germination; Karssen C.M. studies on light-promoted germination; Altenhofen et al. studies on hormonal control of seed heteromorphism; PMC9576060, PMC9687296, Frontiers Plant Science 2023
