Effect of light intensity on growth of purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.)
Title:
Effect of light intensity on growth of purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.)
Author:
Nohelia M. RODRÍGUEZ R José Vicente LAZO
Appeared in:
Revista científica UDO agrícola
Paging:
Volume 8 (2008) nr. 1 pages 52-60
Year:
2008
Contents:
The effect of light intensity upon growth of purple nutsedge, Cyperus rotundus (L.) was determined. The experiments were made in shelter and laboratory, using loamy-sandy soil and corms germinated under dark, with 3 leaves. A complete randomized statistical design was used, with three replications and three light intensity treatments (100, 50 and 25%). Average temperature in the shelter was 28 °C (20-35 °C), average relative humidity 60% (20-100%) and solar radiation 250 to 300 g.cal.cm-2.día-1. Five samplings were made every seven days of the aerial and underground sections of the plants. After 21 days of growth a greater number of leaves and reduced foliar area were observed as light intensity increased. After 28 and 35 days, the number of leaves, foliar area and length of root decreased, but the weight of corms increased. Blooming took place at the fifth week. After 65 days in the 100% light treatment, the number of leaves was higher, while the foliar area was smaller. The dry weight of inflorescence was smaller at the 25% light treatment. It is concluded that light is important in the growth of purple nutsedge, since a higher light intensity promoted the flowering and the number of leaves and larger dry weights of roots, corms and total. To control purple nutsedge, the application of an integral method of shade in combination with an herbicide and biological control is recommended.
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