Influence of environmental factors on cutleaf eveningprimrose (Oenothera laciniata) germination, emergence, development, vegetative growth, and control

Laboratory and greenhouse studies were conducted to determine the effect of temperature, solution pH, water stress, and planting depth on cutleaf eveningprimrose germination and emergence. Field studies were conducted to measure growth parameters of cutleaf eveningprimrose throughout the fall season. When treated with constant temperature, cutleaf eveningprimrose germinated over a range of 15 to 32 C, with the optimum germination occurring at 24 C. Onset, rate, and total germination were greatest in an alternating 20/35 C temperature regime. Germination decreased as solution pH increased, with greatest germination occurring at solution pH of 4. Germination decreased when cutleaf eveningprimrose seed was subjected to increased water stress. Emergence was optimum when seed were buried at depths of 0.5 cm. Germination decreased with increasing burial depth, and no seed emerged from a depth of 10 cm. Cutleaf eveningprimrose control was maximized when 2,4-D was applied in mixture with glyphosate or paraquat. These data suggest that cutleaf eveningprimrose can germinate and gain biomass from early March to late October. These attributes could contribute to poor control before cotton planting if preplant control applications are delayed after early March.