Dormancy break, sprouting and later tuber reproduction in response to different tuber sizes of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentusL.)

Abstract

Dormancy release pattern, sprout growth and later reproduction were studied among various tuber sizes of Cyperus esculentus to determine effective methods to release dormancy and further to select suitable tuber size of this species in production. The results showed that medium tubers performed better during sprouting than large and small tubers under all pre-sprouting treatments. Pre-sprouting treatments at 25°C, 35°C, RT (room temperature) and −2°C were effective in relieving dormancy in medium tubers. Tiller number from medium tubers were significantly higher under 25°C, RT and 45°C than under 35°C and −2°C. Shoot and root mass from medium tubers were significantly higher under the 25°C, 35°C and RT than under other treatments. Tiller and tuber numbers both decreased with decreasing tuber size, as did tuber yield after three months of growth. Furthermore, leftover mass decreased with decreasing tuber mass and remained unchanged at sprouting and maturity periods. A significantly negative allometric correlation was found between plant mass and tuber mass from small tubers. However, a significantly positive allometric correlation was found between tuber size and tuber number from large tubers. In conclusion, medium tubers had a competitive advantage in sprouting, growth and reproduction.

Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) as an Agricultural Crop in Brazil: Tuber Dormancy Breaking

“…The treatments with 10 mg L −1 GA, 100 µL ethylene, and bud cutting did not differ from the control. Liu et al [26] reported, in their study, that the variation in tuber size influences the growth and development of yellow nutsedge plants. According to the authors, tuber size was identified as one of the main factors influencing dormancy breakage.…”