Biology and Phenology of Cyperus rotundos Tuber Sprouting in Relation to Soil Moisture and Temperature

Abstract

Cyperus rotundus is one of the most persistent and economically important perennial weeds affecting agricultural production worldwide due to its vigorous vegetative propagation through underground tubers. Understanding the biology and phenology of tuber sprouting in response to environmental factors is essential for improving weed management strategies. The present study investigated the sprouting behavior and phenological development of C. rotundus tubers under different soil moisture and temperature conditions. Tuber samples were subjected to controlled laboratory and greenhouse experiments to evaluate sprouting percentage, emergence rate, shoot growth, and biomass accumulation under varying environmental regimes. The results demonstrated that both soil moisture and temperature significantly influenced tuber dormancy release, sprouting initiation, and subsequent seedling development. Higher sprouting rates and rapid shoot emergence were observed under moderate to high soil moisture levels combined with warm temperature conditions favorable for metabolic activity and growth. In contrast, low moisture availability and suboptimal temperatures delayed sprouting and reduced vegetative development. Temperature fluctuations affected the duration of phenological stages, including emergence, leaf development, and underground tuber formation. The strong adaptability of C. rotundus to a wide range of environmental conditions contributes to its invasive nature and persistence in cultivated fields. Soil moisture was identified as a critical factor regulating underground bud activation and vegetative propagation efficiency. The findings provide valuable insights into the ecological behavior of C. rotundus and emphasize the importance of environmental conditions in weed establishment and spread. This study contributes to the development of integrated weed management practices through improved prediction of emergence patterns and optimization of control measures targeting vulnerable growth stages.