Hormonal induced transformation of the tuberous purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundos L.) into a tuber-less phenotype

Spraying benzyladenine and gibberellic acid over sprouting shoots of Cyperus rotundus L. did not adversely affect their aboveground development. However, the underground shoots (rhizomes) modified their potentially positive gravitropic growth response into a negative one, to become aboveground shoots. Under such conditions, virtually no tubers, the dominant propagating and perennating units of C. rotundus, were formed. Field experiments, where growth regulator treatments were followed by application of reduced rates of herbicide, open new possibilities to facilitate the control of this noxious weed.