Anatomy and Sprouting of Yellow Nutsedge Tubers

Abstract

Buds of locally collected yellow nutsedge ( Cyperus esculentus L.) tubers are formed only at the six most apical nodes with a 1/3 phyllotaxy. The oldest bud is largest. Bud size grades to the small apical bud. Veins of the rhizome are continuous through the tuber to each bud, root, and leaf. Buds break dormancy in acropetal order, starting with the oldest bud. If the tubers and buds remain undisturbed, usually only two buds break dormancy and grow into shoots.