Seed Production and Germination in<i>Cyperus esculentus</i>and<i>C. rotundus</i>

Abstract

Yellow nutsedge ( Cyperus esculentus L.) produced an average of 1227 and 6685 flowers per inflorescence from eight California fields sampled during 1974, 1975, and 1976. Up to 17% of the flowers produced seeds and up to 78% of the seed germinated. There was a linear relationship between seed weight and germination percentage. Purple nutsedge (C. rotundus L.) averaged between 186 and 1354 flowers per inflorescence from three California fields sampled in 1974 and 1976. Only 43 purple nutsedge seed were collected and none germinated. Yellow nutsedge produced viable seed about 2 weeks after anthesis. A day/night temperature of 38/32 C was best for seed germination, especially when accompanied by a light period. Yellow nutsedge has potential to reproduce by seed, but probability of purple nutsedge reproducing by seed is low.