Abstract: Fresh seed derived from a Mediterranean population of non-radiate Senecio vulgaris L. showed strong innate dormancy over a wide temperature range. In contrast, fresh seed of British S. vulgaris exhibited > 80 per cent germination at 20f .Dormancy in Mediterranean seed was overcome by: prolonged storage at 15°C and above; a short stratification treatment (two weeks at 4°C); prolonged leaching with water; treatment with gibberellic acid (GA3) alone (and with kinetin); and to a lesser extent, by wounding (i.e.removal of a small portion of the fruit and seed coat).

Key words: Senecio vulgaris