of the arable Ranunculaceae species Consolida orientalis, Consolida pubescens, Delphinium gracile, Delphinium halteratum ssp. verdunense and Nigella gallica, in order to propose management strategies for their preservation in agro-ecosystems. Growth chamber and outdoor pot experiments were conducted for two consecutive seasons to analyse light (complete darkness or 12 h light) and temperature (5/10, 5/15 and 10/20ºC) requirements and emergence patterns. The relative light germination requirement (ΔGlight), which extends from -100 (complete darkness) to 100 (light), was estimated. Weibull functions were fitted to observed emergence (%) in pots. For all species, germination was higher in complete darkness than with a light regime (-60 < ΔGlight < -95). This dark requirement indicates better germination for buried seeds. A tillage operation just after seed shed is therefore recommended. Consolida spp. germinate and emerge almost exclusively in autumn-winter, while Delphinium spp. and N. gallica can also germinate in spring. These arable plants would be able to adapt to delayed sowings, an important strategy for avoiding early-emerging competitive weeds. Facultative winter-germinating species could face early herbicide treatments if sufficient emergence occurs in winter-spring. These results bring new information to develop conservation strategies for these species in agro-ecosystems.