Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
Establishment and early growth characteristics were defined for sourgrass [Trichachne insularis (L.) Nees], one of the most serious pasture weeds in Hawaii. Optimum germination of sourgrass seeds was obtained in the light at 30 C or with alternating temperatures of 20 and 30 C or 25 and 35 C. Germination in complete darkness was poor except at alternating 25 and 35 C. Sourgrass germinated better than buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) and guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) at low moisture tension. Sourgrass was capable of emerging from a maximum depth of 5 cm but percent emergence was greatly reduced at planting depths greater than 3 cm. Sourgrass flowering response to photoperiod was day-neutral. Under conditions of adequate moisture, the growth of sourgrass was severely suppressed when grown with buffelgrass, or/or guineagrass. If grazing is restricted, either of these grasses would be useful for controlling sourgrass.