Abstract

Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.) (SORHA) is a perennial weed that propagates with rhizomes in the family Poaceae. It can survive for a long time via its extensive rhizome system and high rate of seed production. Developing control strategies of the SORHA using its biological parameters is important when the high competitive ability of SORHA is considered. As a result of Johnsongrass biology studies, the highest seed germination rate, 64.8% was obtained from H2SO4 application for 75 s. The second highest germination ratio was observed in the treatments of the mechanical abrasion (44.76%). Minimum, optimum and maximum germination temperature of Johnsongrass seeds and rhizomes were 15°C, 25-30°C and 40°C, respectively. The highest germination percentage in seeds was observed from 10 cm depth with 25.0% while this percentage in rhizomes was 60% at 5 cm. The effect of balanced light period (12h light / 12h dark) on shoot length (71 mm) and seedling production ratio (56.66%) from rhizomes was higher than darkness.

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