Articles
EFFECTS OF SHEETING WITH BLACK PLASTIC OR FLOODING OF SOILS ON THE CONTROL OF CYPERUS ESCULENTUS
Tubers of this rapidly growing and multiplying weed were introduced into the country probably with imported cormlets of gladiolus, from which they are hardly distinguishable.
In addition to rigid statutory measures, e.g., a ban upon the cultivation in infested soils of crops from which underground parts are harvested, a research programme was initiated to eradicate the weed.
Out of many chemicals tested metam-sodium, glyphosate and methylbromide effectively controlled the plants and/or tubers of Cyperus esculentus. The effects of two non-chemical treatments were also investigated: flooding, and sheeting with black plastic of infested soils.
The controlling effects of flooding were insufficient.
Even in the experimental plots flooded during the whole growing season of the weed, tubers of yellow nutsedge germinated under water and developed into plants.
Almost complete control was observed when infested soils were sheeted with black plastic during the whole growing season of the weed.
The tubers germinated under the black plastic sheet, but their development ceased and the plants died, probably because of light deficiency.
As the result of statutory and control measures further spread of Cyperus esculentus was prevented and some infested soils were freed from this tuberous weed.