Sprouting and Growth of Purple Nutsedge, Cyperus rotundus, in Relation to pH and Aeration

Abstract

AbstractThe results of experiments on the sprouting and growth of purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) in relation to pH and aeration are described. All pH levels between 2.2 to 9.0 allowed high sprouting percentage but the sprouted tubers did not survive at pH below 3 and survival beyond pH 7 was very poor. Post‐sprouting growth of nutsedge was optimal at pH 4.Pre‐sprouting aeration of tubers stimulated early sprouting and produced vigorous shoots, whereas submersion of the tubers was inhibitory. Continuous aeration of the submerged tubers substantially removed the inhibitory influence on sprouting but the shoots remained weak. Seedlings grown in constantly aerated nutrient solution showed significantly better growth than in a non‐aerated one.