Context. Lolium rigidum Gaudin (annual ryegrass) has remained the most problematic weed of crop production in Australia for more than 20 years. There is some evidence that this weed species can rapidly adapt to management practices including delayed crop sowing.

Aims. Studies were undertaken to determine genetic variation for seed dormancy within L. rigidum populations and its association with genes involved with gibberellic acid and abscisic acid synthesis.

Methodology. Populations of L. rigidum were grown in pots to select low and high dormancy cohorts. Seeds produced by these cohorts from each population were assessed for variation in seed dormancy. Seeds of high and low dormancy cohorts were concurrently assessed for seed dormancy and expression of LrABA1 and LrGA20ox genes, using quantitative real-time PCR.

Results. Presence of differences greater than two-fold in seed dormancy between populations from the same farm indicated in situ selection for seed dormancy, most likely in response to management. Low and high dormancy cohorts of all populations maintained clear differences in seed dormancy in both years of assessment. Differences in seed dormancy between low and high dormancy cohorts were significantly correlated with LrABA1 and LrGA20ox gene expression.

Conclusions. This investigation has provided clear evidence of the presence of genetic variation for seed dormancy within L. rigidum populations.

Implications. The presence of genetic variation for seed dormancy in L. rigidum populations will allow this weed to adapt rapidly to changes in weed management practices such as delayed sowing of crops.