Mimosa pudica and Ipomoea asarifolia are important weeds of cultivated pasture in the Brazilian Amazon Region. This research analyzes the effects of the change in soil and climate factors on the germination (percentage and germination speed index) of these species. Germination was monitored for a 15-day period, with daily counting and elimination of the germinated seeds. The results showed that soil factors such as aluminum, pH, calcium, and magnesium did not influence the germination of the two weed species. The germination of both M. pudica and I. asarifolia is independent of light exposure. Optimum germination (percentage and germination speed index) temperature for both species was continuous, at 30 ºC or alternated 25-35 ºC temperature, even though the M. pudica seeds germinated satisfactorily in continuous temperature above and under 30 ºC, and in all combinations of alternated temperatures. Comparatively, the germination speed index was more sensitive to the effects of the temperature than the germination percentage. Both species responded negatively to the increase in salt concentration, with M. pudica being more tolerant to salt than I. asarifolia.
Mimosa pudica; Amazon; temperature; light; salinity
