Effects of different photoperiods on the growth and physiology of Buchloe datyloides

To explore a suitable photoperiod for rapid vegetative growth of buffalograss (Buchloe datyloides), growth, morphology, and physiological indexes of two cultivars of buffalograss (Sundancer and Texoka) under different photoperiod treatments light/dark (L/D) were 12 h/12 h, 16 h/8 h, and 22 h/2 h were determined and analyzed. The results were as follows: 1) The extension of light duration promoted the plant height, biomass accumulation, and number of stolons of buffalograss, the effects being most obvious under L/D (22 h/2 h) treatment. 2) The leaves were wider, the density of vascular bundles was higher, and the leaf sheaths were closer in L/D (22 h/2 h) treatment than in other treatments. 3) Prolonged photoperiod enhanced the accumulation of photosynthates such as soluble sugar and starch, and the contents were significantly higher in L/D (22 h/2 h) treatment (P < 0.05) than in other treatments. Based on these results and membership function method, L/D (22 h/2 h) treatment was more conducive to the vegetative growth of buffalograss. These results may provide a theoretical reference to further understand the reaction mechanism of buffalograss to changes in the photoperiod and accelerate the breeding of new buffalograss varieties.