Factors Affecting Winter Survival of Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) Rhizomes

Abstract

There were no differences in johnsongrass rhizome winter survival at central and southeastern locations in Pennsylvania in 1988 or 1989. At a 6-cm depth of burial, survival rates of 5 and 25% were found for rhizome segments 7.5 and 15.0 cm in length, respectively. Survival rates for rhizomes buried 25 cm averaged 86%, with no difference in survival between rhizome lengths. The majority of rhizome biomass produced by the biotype used in these studies was found at soil depths allowing a high percentage of survival.