Virtual homological torsion in graphs of free groups with cyclic edge groups

Abstract: Let $G$ be a hyperbolic group that splits as a graph of free groups with cyclic edge groups. We prove that, unless $G$ is isomorphic to a free product of free and surface groups, every finite abelian group $M$ appears as a direct summand in the abelianization of some finite-index subgroup $G'\le G$. As an application, we deduce that free products of free and surface groups are profinitely rigid among hyperbolic graphs of free groups with cyclic edge groups. We also conclude that partial surface words in a free group are determined by the word measures they induce on finite groups.