Effect of Low Temperature on Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) Reproductive Biology

Abstract

Purple nutsedge is considered to be the worst weed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Although the plant is a low grower it has very strong competitive abilities. The influence of initial tuber size and cold treatment on tuber sprouting, accumulation of plant biomass and new tubers formation was studied. Tubers sprouted continuously over 30 to 50 d with significantly lower sprouting ability of small tubers (0.1 to 0.2 g). Short cold treatment (4 C for 4 d) significantly stimulated sprouting process. The early sprouting of cold treated tubers led to increased number of shoots and inflorescences and therefore more intensive biomass accumulation, as well as more intensive formation of new tubers. The increase in total biomass accumulation raises the reproductive and spreading potential of the weed.