Unrestricted growth, tuber formation and spread of Cyperus esculentus L. in Zimbabwe

Summary The unrestricted growth and clonal spread from individual tubers of Cyperus esculentus L. were studied in Zimbabwe. Clonal material, collected from the Trelawney area, was grown in a square arrangement in the field with a 5 m spacing between original tubers. Growth was recorded at approximately monthly intervals for 2 years. The natural logarithm of clonal spread (m per month) was positively correlated to temperature and rainfall. Most growth occurred from November to March, a period of optimal moisture and temperature conditions. There was little growth during the remainder of the year. The changes in clonal spread during the year are expressed mathematically and incorporate two parameters of growth; one describes the rate of growth and the other predicts the radius once growth ceases Tuber numbers increased exponentially from December‐April, the rate of tuber production being greater in the first than in the second year of growth. Tuber production was greatest during March, April and December, 1980. Dormancy of the tubers decreased during the cooler months from May to August. The value of describing unrestricted clonal growth, and conditions favouring tuber production, are discussed.