Yellow nutsedge has a very high potential for multiplying and spreading via tubers. This invasive species easily becomes established in all crops. Its rhizomes can damage tuber crops. Yield losses of up to 40% (potatoes) and 60% (sugar beet) have been observed, as well as qualitative losses.
Once well established, yellow nutsedge is very difficult to control for several reasons. The tubers are ‘invisible’ in the soil, they cannot be destroyed by mechanical means, and there is no known herbicide that translocates to the tubers to reach them.
Neither classic graminicides nor the majority of other selective herbicides are therefore effective against yellow nutsedge. Pulling it does not guarantee complete eradication either. Only a combination of methods of tackling this weed allow it to be controlled in the long term.
