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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the extent of purple nutsedge tuber depletion and shoot regrowth when shoots were removed periodically from plants sprouting from tubers of different original weights. Presprouted purple nutsedge tubers were planted in 0.5-L plastic containers filled with potting medium. Tuber weight categories were 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1 g per tuber. Shoots were removed by cutting at soil level beginning 6, 12, 18, 24, or 30 d after transplanting (DAT). Shoot removal occurred every 6 d after the first removal with a minimum of seven removals. Tuber weight had an effect on both shoot number and dry weight when the first removal was imposed either 6 or 12 DAT. When initial shoot removal was begun 6 DAT, total tuber depletion was achieved after the fifth removal for tubers weighing 0.25 g and after the seventh removal for tubers weighing 0.50 g. When the initial removal was delayed until 12 DAT, only tubers weighing 0.25 g were depleted after the sixth removal. No tuber depletion occurred for tubers weighing 0.75 g or more at any initial removal time. Greater initial sprouting vigor was observed among large tubers compared to smaller ones. Early removal (6 DAT) promoted the formation of more shoots from tubers weighing 0.75 or 1 g.