COMPARISON OF THE GROWTH-RESPONSE OF RUMEX-OBTUSIFOLIUS L AND LOLIUM-PERENNE L TO PHOTON FLUX-DENSITY

The aim of this experiment was to compare the growth strategies of Rumex obtusifolius L. and Lolium perenne L. at the seedling stage under different constant photon flux densities. Both species were grown simultaneously in growth chambers (20/15-degrees-C) at 50, 150 and 500-mu-mol m-2 s-1 and sampled on six occasions between the 14th and 34th day after seedling emergence. The relative growth rate of R. obtusifolius always exceeded that of L. perenne. R. obtusifolius allocated more dry matter to the leaves, thus resulting in an increase in specific leaf area and, consequently, leaf area ratio. The decrease in the relative growth rate that resulted from reducing the photon flux density from 500 to 50-mu-mol m-2 s-1 was lower for R. obtusifolius (-38%) than for L. perenne (-53%). The weed was less sensitive that the grass to the reduction in light intensity, mainly because its specific leaf area increased more and because its net assimilation rate decreased less. The results show that seedlings of R. obtusifolius are able to maximize dry matter production at a low photon flux density. This suggests that the establishment of R. obtusifolius seedlings cannot be prevented by the shade of an established sward.