Understanding the reproductive mechanisms of a weed species, mainly concerning to its seeds' dormancy and germination is of great importance for determining the method and right time for its control. To evaluate the germination of aerial and underground seeds of Commelina benghalensis. plants were grown in pots under greenhouse conditions in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The large underground seed (SSG) and the small aerial seed (SAP) had the largest and the smallest seed weight of 8.81 and 1.90 mg/seed, respectively. Large aerial seed (SAG) and small underground seed (SSP) had similar intermediate weights (3.65 and 3.51mg/seed, respectively). The aerial seed harvest date influenced their weight, with a production of heavier seeds in the first harvest (September, 24 1999) being observed during the experimental period and interval studied (September to December). Aerial seed germination was not influenced by storage time. SAP showed better germination percent at 20-35 ºC and SAG at 25 ºC. Germination of freshly harvested aerial seeds varied from 7.50% for SAP to 21.67% for SAG/E (large aerial seed with covering). Four-month storage increased SAG germination percent without altering it in SAG/E and SAP. Small and large underground seeds stored during three months showed 32.5 and 92.5% of germination, respectively. Increasing storage time from three to six months decreased SSG and SSP germination percent. Germination percent was increased by dry heat in SAG/E and SSP, had no alteration in SAG and SAP, and decreased in SSG. The degree of dormancy differed among the four seed types. The production of polymorphic seeds showing great differences in dormancy degree allows C. benghalensis to germinate and establish in the most diversified environments and seasons of the year, making difficult the management of this weed species.
dayflower; COMBE; dormancy; polymorphic seeds; weed; seed weight