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 inclu
ded mowing at 1.3 and 3.8 cm with mowing frequencies of three times per wee
k and once a week, respectively. A nonmowed check was included for comparis
on. Reductions in C. rotundus shoot number were observed beginning 6 wk aft
er initial treatment (WAIT) in 1996 and 9 WAIT in 1997 for the 1.3-cm mowin
g 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 tr
eatment 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. escu
lentus spread beginning 6 WAIT in 1996 and 3 WAIT in 1997. Cyperus esculent
us 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 com
pletely inhibited by the two mowing regimes in both years. The only treatme
nt effect observed in K; brevifolia and K. gracillima in 1996 was a reducti
on in internode length of K. gracillima by the 1.3-cm mowing regime. In 199
7, the 1.3-cm regime reduced K. brevifolia shoot number at 15 and 18 WAIT a
nd plant spread beginning 6 WAIT and continuing until termination. The 3.8-
cm treatment did not affect K. brevifolia shoot number and reductions in sp
read 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 19
97 evaluation. Reductions in K. gracillima shoot number occurred at the fin
al evaluation, and reductions in spread began 12 WAIT when subjected to the
3.8-cm treatment. Both mowing regimes reduced K. brevifolia and K. gracill
ima internode length. Kyllinga brevifolia total rhizome length and total no
de number were reduced by the 1.3-cm regime only. Kyllinga gracillima rhizo
me length, internode length, and node number were reduced by both regimes i
n 1997.