Is it true that a seedling Johnsongrass plant is more competitive than a rhizome Johnsongrass?

The assertion that a seedling Johnsongrass plant is more competitive than a rhizome Johnsongrass plant is false. Rhizome Johnsongrass is often more competitive due to its established root system and ability to store carbohydrates in its rhizomes. This adaptation allows it to rapidly produce new shoots and expand in dense patches, particularly in favorable conditions such as nutrient-rich soils and sufficient moisture. Seedlings, while they may initially seem competitive, lack the extensive resources and established systems that allow rhizome plants to thrive and outcompete other plants over time.

In ecosystems where both forms are present, the mature rhizome form typically dominates due to its survival strategies, making it a more formidable competitor for resources such as light, water, and nutrients. The competitive advantage of rhizomes provides a significant edge in the long-term establishment and spread of Johnsongrass in agricultural settings.