REGENERATIVE CAPACITY OF SPEARGRASS (Imperata cylindrica (L.) P.Beauv.

Imperata cylindrica (L.) P.Beauv. is a noxious perennial grassthat has invaded many countries in Africa. In Tunisia I. cylindrica is aninvasive perennial species that has spread widely in oasis and riparianareas where it has altered wildlife habitats, compromised waterconservation efforts and affected flood control. I. cylindrica is adominant, competitive and difficult weed to control, particularly in datepalm plantations. Its management has been a significant challengebecause of large rhizome and buds reserves in the soil. In Tunisia, noinformation is available on the biology and behaviour of I. cylindricaparticularly its regenerative capacity and growth patterns. Laboratorytrials under controlled conditions were conducted in the Institute ofAgronomical Science at Chott-Mariem, Tunisia, about regenerativecapacity of I. cylindrica from 2003 to 2007. I. cylindrica has anextensive rhizome network and it is able to regenerate from theserhizomes. The bud viability decreased by burying. The fragmentation ofrhizomes increased the regenerative potential of I. cylindrica anddecreased the apical bud dominance effect. The age and the length ofthe rhizome had an effect on the regenerative capacity.