Genetic and Morphological Variation of Belgian Cyperus esculentus L. Clonal Populations and Their Significance for Integrated Management

Cyperus esculentus is an invasive troublesome neophyte in many arable crops across the globe. Analysis of genetic and morphological profile local C. clonal populations may be useful explaining differential herbicide sensitivity found among distinct spatial distribution patterns. In this study, 35 Belgian populations, evenly spread entire infestation area (30,689 km2) covering a great diversity farm soil types, hydrological environmental conditions, were genetically characterized using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) profiling. These also grouped into different clusters data from shoot, tuber, inflorescence number, fresh tuber biomass, individual weight, number germinable seeds collected three consecutive years. Of 271 AFLP markers, 207 polymorphic. The gene was 0.331 identified. Depending on observation year, four to five morphologically that closely aligned with clusters. differed their geographical pattern range as well characteristics. Clonal belonging broad ranges produced numerous viable seeds. Clusters large tubers less widespread than cluster producing small tubers. results suggest size, fecundity all play important role esculentus. Morphotyping very designing effective preventive curative management strategies.