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Effect of Temperature, Light, and Nitrogen on Growth and Metabolism of ‘Tifgreen’ Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.)¹

Bermudagrass growth and carbohydrate reserves generally were higher, and nitrogen content was lower with high than with low temperatures. Carbohydrates accumulated at high temperatures, although net photosynthesis was low apparently because of the higher leaf-root ratio at high as compared to lower temperatures. The high energy constituents undoubtedly contributed to the persistence of bermudagrass. When bermudagrass was switched from cold to warm temperature, N percentage increased and top growth was stimulated with a corresponding reduction in carbohydrates.

The best top-root development under a 36C day occurred when the night temperature was dropped 12C. The corresponding high net photosynthesis probably caused increased carbohydrates and enhanced growth.

Liberal N fertilization caused top growth to be increased and carbohydrates to be lowered even though net photosynthesis was increased. This suggested that carbohydrates utilization in N metabolism corresponds to stimulated top growth.

Shading seriously affected bermudagrass growth. It appears that low light intensity drastically inhibited N utilization.

Key Words: Turfgrass • Photosynthesis • Respiration • Carbohydrates • Protein • Roots • Stolons • Rhizomes

² Associate Professor and Professor of Agronomy, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg 24061.

Received for publication January 15, 1968.