Temperature Responses and Potential Distribution of Itchgrass (Rottboellia exaltata) in the United States

Abstract

To estimate the potential growth and distribution of itchgrass (Rottboellia exaltata L. f.) in the United States, we grew the plant in 36 combinations of day and night temperatures in controlled-environment greenhouses. Day temperatures ranged from 17 to 32 C and night temperatures from 11 to 26 C. Total dry weights, leaf areas, heights, and numbers of tillers were determined at 3, 31, and 58 days after emergence. Mathematical growth analysis techniques were used to calculate net assimilation rates (NAR) and leaf area durations (LAD). Maximum dry matter production (the product of NAR and LAD) and maximum leaf area production occurred at 32/26 C. Dry matter production and leaf area production were greatly reduced by day temperatures below 29 C and night temperatures below 23 C. The retardation of dry matter production by low night temperature was due mainly to reductions in LAD rather than to reductions in NAR. Low day temperatures reduced dry matter production through combined effects on LAD and NAR. At the warmer day temperatures, tiller production increased with decreasing night temperature. Flowering occurred at all day temperatures and at all night temperatures of 14 C or greater. Based on its growth responses to temperature, itchgrass would reach 75 to 100% of its maximum potential growth in the Gulf Coast states, the lower Midwest, the South Atlantic states, and the Southwest. Therefore, it represents a serious potential weed problem in these regions.