The knowledge of basic aspects of the biology of weeds can contribute significantly to the development of strategies for their handling. Emilia sonchifolia is a weed spread throughout the Brazilian territory; it presents moderate aggressiveness being found in agricultural and urban areas. This work aimed to evaluate germination of E. sonchifolia seeds in temperature conditions and brightness, stress osmotic, saline and pH of solution. Four experiments were accomplished: a) combination of four temperatures (20 ºC, 25 ºC, 30 ºC and 35 ºC) in two conditions of brightness (light absence and presence); b) seven levels of osmotic stress provided for PEG6000 (0; -0.1; -0.2; -0.4; -0.6; -0.8 and -1.0 MPa); c) six levels of saline stress provided for NaCl (0.0; -0.2; -0.4; -0.6; -0.8 and -1.0 MPa) and d) six pH levels (3.0; 5.0; 6.0; 7.0; 9.0 and 11.0) in buffer solutions. The germination of E. sonchifolia seeds was maximized in the presence of light , at constant temperatures of 25 and 30 ºC. There was reduction of germination in conditions with osmotic stress starting from -0.1 MPa and of -0.2 MPa for saline stress. E. sonchifolia is sensive to pH variation, with greater germination of seeds occurring only at pH 6.0.
cupid's shaving brush; temperature; hidric restriction; salinity; pH
