The Effects of Light and Temperature on Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) Basal-Bulb Formation

Investigations were conducted to determine whether light, temperature, or their interaction stimulated primary basal-bulb formation on underground stems of yellow nutsedge ( Cyperus esculentus L.) seedlings grown from tubers. Basal-bulb formation results when internodes shorten and leaves lengthen. When seedlings were grown without medium around the underground shoots, a temperature alternation of 10C stimulated basal-bulb formation; light did not affect the process. When seedlings were grown with medium around the underground shoots, either light or alternating temperature stimulated basal-bulb formation. Nine colors of light gave the same stimulus as white (fluorescent) light. Phytochrome did not appear to be the photoreceptor for the stimulus, as both red and far-red light responses were identical to that of white light.