Herbicide Sensitivity Determination of Three Archaeophytes

Abstract

The archaeophytes have important role in biodiversity, because there are important members of field edge communities. At the same time, the number of these species decreased in recent decades. The changed structure of agricultural production (including fertilizer application increase) may be the reason for this. Aim of our study was to determine fertilizer sensitivity of three archaeophyte species using germination test, open field observation and proline content measurement.
In case of Papaver rhoeas had the best germination parameters either speed (7.32 day) or germination rate (0.81). These values declined due to the applied fertilizer treatment (8.3-10.03 day, germination rate: 0.72-0.39). Cyanus segetum germinated slower (mean germination time: 12-13 day), and the harmful effect of treatment was also significant (germination rate: 0.52-0.09). Consolida regalis was not germinated in examination period. Higher blooming intensity was detected in open field in case of Consolida regalis due to fertilizer application. Salt sensitivity of Cyanus segetum is supported by proline accumulation (0.49-0.54 mg/100 mg), which could be one reason of decrease. Based on our results, there is high sensitivity of fertilizers in case of larkspur and cornflower, which justify the protection of arable edges in Hungary.