Antoine Gardarin

Seed mortality in the soil is related to seed coat thickness

Models that quantify the effects of cropping systems on weed dynamics are useful tools for testing innovative cropping systems. In these models, seed mortality in the soil is a key parameter to account for the cumulated effect of cropping systems over time via the soil seed-bank. Since seed mortality is difficult to measure, our objective was to develop a method to estimate it from easily accessible information. Seeds of 13 weed species were buried 30 cm deep in fields and were recovered regularly for 2 years to measure their viability. Seed mass, dimensions, shape, and protein and lipid contents as well as coat thickness were measured. To estimate seed mortality of species not included in the study, we searched for relationships between mortality rates and seed traits. Seed viability mainly decreased during the second year of burial, with mortality rates ranging from 0.01 to 0.63 seeds·seeds 21 ·year 21 , depending on the species. Seed mortality decreased with increasing seed coat thickness. No correlation was found with other measured traits or with seed persistence data in the literature. These results were confirmed when the effects of phylogenetic relatedness with phylogenetically independent contrasts were included. The thickness of the seed coat, which varied between 17 and 231mm over the range of species studied, can protect the seed from external attacks in the soil and slow down seed decay. This trait can be easily measured via X-ray images and could be used to estimate the seed mortality rate for a wider range of species.

Uncertainty analysis and evaluation of a complex, multi-specific weed dynamics model with diverse and incomplete data sets

Weed dynamics models are needed to test prospective cropping systems but are rarely evaluated with independent data (validated). Here, we evaluated the FlorSys model which quantifies the effects of cropping systems and pedoclimate on multispecific weed dynamics with a daily time step. We adapted existing validation methodologies and uncertainty analyses to account for multi-specific, multi-annual and diverse outputs, focusing on missing input data, incomplete and imprecise weed time series. Field data ranged from entirely monitored cropping system trials to annual snapshots recorded on farm fields by the French Biovigilance-Flore network. FlorSys satisfactorily predicted weed seed bank, plant densities and crop yields, at daily and multi-annual scales, at well monitored sites. It overestimated plant biomass and underestimated total flora density. Missing processes (photoperiod dependency in flowering, crop:weed competition for nitrogen) and inadequately predicted scenarios (weed dynamics in untilled fields, floras with summer-emerging species) were identified. Guidelines for model use were proposed. Weed dynamics models must be validated before using them for cropping system design.Methods were developed to evaluate a mechanistic model with incomplete data sets.Data sets comprise cropping system trials and a farm field survey network.FlorSyss domain of validity and guidelines for simulations were determined.Missing processes necessary for predicting weed dynamics in fields were identified.

How do seed and seedling traits influence germination and emergence parameters in crop species? A comparative analysis

Early plant establishment through seed germination and seedling emergence is a crucial process that determines seedling number, emergence time distribution and the early growth of seedlings, all of which are affected by soil climate and soil structure. In the current context of climate change, in which increasing the diversity of cultivated species is considered desirable, and new tillage practices are considerably modifying top-soil surface characteristics, we need to improve our ability to model the effects of the environment on plant establishment. Using a trait-based and model-based framework, we aimed to identify general relationships between seed and seedling traits (e.g. seed mass and lipid content, seedling diameter, base temperature) and germination and emergence model parameters (e.g. time to mid-germination, shoot elongation rate) measured for 18 genotypes belonging to 14 species. Relationships were also investigated among model parameters or traits. Germination rates were faster for species with a high base temperature and for species with seed reserves located principally in the embryo (rather than the endosperm or perisperm). During heterotrophic growth, maximal shoot length and elongation rate increased with seed dry mass. The sensitivity of seedlings to soil obstacles was negatively related to shoot diameter. Thus apart from the known effects of seed mass on seedling establishment, we found that seed reserve location, seedling shoot diameter and shape affected germination rate and emergence success. Such generic rules linking plant traits to germination and emergence parameters enhance our understanding of the determinants of environmental effects on plant establishment success.