Isozyme Variability and Breeding Systems in Populations of Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)

Abstract

The importance of seeds in the reproduction and maintenance of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentusL. # CYPES) populations was evaluated. Isozyme analysis using starch gel electrophoresis was performed on 20 individuals of each of 10 widely separate populations in California. Genetic variation among individuals served as an indicator of the relative importance of asexual and sexual reproduction in each population. Eight enzyme systems were assayed from which 12 loci were resolvable, with four of those loci exhibiting variability. A maximum of four isozyme genotypes appeared in any population; only nine of 81 total potential genotypes were identified. Five populations were isozymically uniform, apparently composed of a single genotype. The remaining five populations were genotypically variable; these frequently deviated strongly from the genotype frequencies expected of a sexually reproducing population. These results indicate that sexually produced seeds are unimportant in the maintenance of yellow nutsedge populations in agricultural environments. Although viable seed may be produced, tubers appear to be the primary mode of reproduction in this species.