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Title: RESPONSE OF SELECTED GRASS AND BROADLEAF SPECIES TO COGONGRASS (IMPERATA CYLINDRICA) RESIDUES

Author
item Koger Iii, Clifford
item Bryson, Charles
item BYRD, JOHN - MISS STATE UNIV

Submitted to: Weed Technology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/2003
Publication Date: 4/1/2004
Citation: Koger III, C.H., Bryson, C.T., Byrd, J.D. 2004. Response of selected grass and broadleaf species to cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) residues. Weed Technology. 18:353-357.

Interpretive Summary: Cogongrass is a troublesome weed in infrequently cultivated areas, roadways, forests, pastures, and pine plantations of the southeastern United States. It is extremely competitive with other plant species for nutrients, light, water, and space. However, little information regarding the potential for cogongrass to contain chemicals that may affect germination and/or growth of other plant species thereby enhancing its competitive ability is available. Greenhouse studies were conducted at the Southern Weed Science Research Unit, Stoneville, MS to study the effects of ground cogongrass foliage and root tissue on germination and seedling growth of various grass and broadleaf species. Cogongrass tissue (foliage and root) inhibited germination and seedling growth of all species except hemp sesbania. Germination and shoot and root growth were reduced by as much as 97% and 89%, respectively. Results indicate that cogongrass may contain chemicals that inhibit growth of other plant species and that may supplement the competitive and invasive habits of this troublesome species.

Technical Abstract: The effects of cogongrass foliage and rhizome plus root residues on germination and growth of barnyardgrass, browntop millet, bermudagrass, hemp sesbania, Italian ryegrass, and prickly sida were investigated in greenhouse experiments. Ground residues of dried cogongrass foliage and rhizomes plus roots were mixed separately with sterilized sand to obtain cogongrass residue concentrations of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8%. These concentrations of foliage and rhizome plus root residues were investigated on bermudagrass and Italian ryegrass, and the 8% concentrations were evaluated on hemp sesbania, prickly sida, barnyardgrass, and browntop millet. Concentrations of cogongrass residues as low as 0.25% inhibited germination and shoot and root growth of all species except hemp sesbania. Germination of bermudagrass and Italian ryegrass was reduced by as much as 97%, and shoot and root growth by as much as 89% at the highest residue concentrations. Cogongrass residues reduced germination and shoot and root biomass of prickly sida, barnyardgrass, and browntop millet. Results indicate that residues of cogongrass in a soil-based media may contain allelochemicals that inhibit the growth of other plant species.