Effect of mowing on perennial sedges

Abstract

Field studies were conducted in 1996 and 1997 to determine the response of Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus esculentus, Kyllinga brevifolia, and Kyllinga gracillima to mowing regimens common to recreational turfgrass. Treatments were selected to simulate Cynodon dactylon golf course management and included mowing at 1.3 and 3.8 cm with mowing frequencies of three times per week and once a week, respectively. A nonmowed check was included for comparison. Reductions in C. rotundus shoot number were observed beginning 6 wk after initial treatment (WAIT) in 1996 and 9 WAIT in 1997 for the 1.3-cm mowing regime. The 3.8-cm mowing regime did not reduce C. rotundus shoot number until the final evaluation of each year. Reductions in C. rotundus rhizome length, tuber number, and tuber size were observed for both mowing regimes in both years. Cyperus esculentus shoot number was reduced by the 1.3-cm treatment at each evaluation date in 1996 and 1997. Cyperus esculentus shoot number reductions in the 3.8-cm regime were first observed 4 and 6 WAIT in the 2 yr and continued until termination. The 1.3-cm regime reduced C. esculentus spread beginning 6 WAIT in 1996 and 3 WAIT in 1997. Cyperus esculentus spread was also reduced by the 3.8-cm treatment, but reduction began at later evaluations (8 and 9 WAIT). Tuber production by C. esculentus was completely inhibited by the two mowing regimes in both years. The only treatment effect observed in K. brevifolia and K. gracillima in 1996 was a reduction in internode length of K. gracillima by the 1.3-cm mowing regime. In 1997, the 1.3-cm regime reduced K. brevifolia shoot number at 15 and 18 WAIT and plant spread beginning 6 WAIT and continuing until termination. The 3.8-cm treatment did not affect K. brevifolia shoot number and reductions in spread were only observed at the final evaluation. Kyllinga gracillima shoot number and plant spread were reduced by the 1.3-cm mowing regime at each 1997 evaluation. Reductions in K. gracillima shoot number occurred at the final evaluation, and reductions in spread began 12 WAIT when subjected to the 3.8-cm treatment. Both mowing regimes reduced K. brevifolia and K. gracillima internode length. Kyllinga brevifolia total rhizome length and total node number were reduced by the 1.3-cm regime only. Kyllinga gracillima rhizome length, internode length, and node number were reduced by both regimes in 1997.