Intraspecific Competition of Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) Under Greenhouse Conditions

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Abstract
The effects of intraspecific competition on the growth and development of purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) were studied under greenhouse conditions. Increases in plant density increased the dry weight accumulation on a per pot basis but decreased the dry weight accumulation on a per plant basis. The partitioning of dry weight, whether on a per pot or per plant basis, indicated a shift in the method of reproduction as to density. Under low density conditions more dry weight was partitioned into inflorescences than into tubers. However, under high density conditions more dry weight was partitioned into tubers rather than inflorescences. Dry weight partitioned into rhizomes did not vary as to density. Dry weight partitioned into shoots and roots decreased with the concomitant increase in dry weight partitioned into reproductive structures. This shift to vegetative reproduction under stress conditions caused by competition provides further insight into the difficulties of controlling purple nutsedge.