Introduction
Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. var. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Dorn, commonly known as desert wheatgrass, is a perennial grass species in the Poaceae family. It is native to North America and is found in the western and central parts of the United States and Canada.
Appearance
The plant has a robust root system that can grow up to several meters in depth. It has long, narrow, and tough blue-green leaves that can grow up to 80 cm long. The stems are slender and can grow up to 1 meter high. The inflorescence is a spike with numerous small flowers, which bloom from May to July. The seeds are small, light brown, and have twisted awns that can curl and straighten as moistures fluctuate, aiding in seed dispersal.
Uses
The desert wheatgrass is a valuable forage and grazing plant. It provides nutritious and palatable forage for livestock and wildlife, including deer, antelope, and birds. The plant is also used for erosion control and reclamation of disturbed lands, including mining sites and road construction areas.
Besides, the plant is tolerant of drought, salinity, and alkaline soils, making it a favorite choice for revegetation in arid regions. In addition, the plant has been used medicinally by indigenous peoples to treat various ailments, including eye infections, respiratory illnesses, and gastrointestinal problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. var. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Dorn is a versatile and resilient plant that provides numerous ecosystem services. Its impressive root system and drought tolerance make it an essential species in dryland regions. While initially native to the North American continent, it is now also found growing in different regions of the world and is an essential component of many arid ecosystems.
Light Requirements
Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. var. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Dorn prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth conditions. This species thrives in areas with a high degree of sunlight exposure, making it well-suited for arid or semi-arid regions.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. var. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Dorn growth is between 20°C-30°C. This species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures due to its natural habitat in dry regions. However, to ensure healthy growth, it is best to avoid exposure to frost or extreme heat, such as temperatures exceeding 40°C.
Soil Requirements
Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. var. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Dorn prefer well-drained soils that are alkaline in nature, with a pH range of 7.2-8.4. This species can also thrive in poor quality soils, such as sandy or rocky soil types. Additionally, this species is highly adapted to drought-prone areas, making it capable of growing in soils with low moisture levels.
Cultivation Methods
Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. var. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Dorn, also known as desert crested wheatgrass, is typically grown in areas with arid climates. The ideal time to plant this species is during early spring or fall. The cultivation process involves preparing the soil by removing any weeds or debris and tilling the land to loosen up the soil. Seeds can be planted using a seed drill, and it should be sown at a depth of approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch. After sowing, the soil should be watered immediately to help the seeds germinate.
Watering Needs
Desert crested wheatgrass requires adequate water supply, especially during its early growth stages. Newly planted seeds should be watered frequently but not overly saturated. As the plant begins to grow, it requires moderate watering. One inch of water every week is sufficient, but it may need more during hot and dry weather conditions.
Fertilization
Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. var. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Dorn does not require extensive fertilization. However, it can benefit from an application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer. This should be done in the early spring, and about 40-60 pounds of nitrogen per acre can be used. Phosphorous and potassium may also be applied, but within limits as excessive use can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. var. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Dorn as it is a wild plant species. However, mowing can be done in some cases to maintain the size and appearance of the field. It is recommended that the first mowing should be done when the plant has grown to about six inches tall. Subsequent mowing should be done two to four times a year, depending on the growth rate of the plant.
Propagation methods for Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. var. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Dorn
Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. var. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Dorn, commonly known as desert wheatgrass, is a plant species that belongs to the Poaceae family. This grass species can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation of Agropyron cristatum can be done using seeds. The seeds of this grass species can be collected during the late summer to early autumn, depending on the location. To ensure good germination rates, the seeds should be sown as soon as possible after harvesting. They can be sown directly into the ground or indoor containers.
When sowing the seeds directly into the soil, it is important to prepare the soil properly. The soil needs to be loosened and free of debris. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1/4 inch and spaced at appropriate intervals. After sowing, the seeds should be watered gently to keep the soil moist until they have established.
When sowing the seeds indoors, a well-draining container filled with seed-starting soil can be used. The seeds should be placed on the soil surface, and then covered with a thin layer of soil. The container should then be placed in a warm, well-lit area until germination.
Asexual propagation
Agropyron cristatum can also be propagated through asexual methods such as division. Division involves separating the root mass of an established plant into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and stems
To divide Agropyron cristatum, the plant should be dug up carefully, and the root mass divided into sections. The sections should be replanted immediately, in a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the roots, but not so deep that the crown of the plant is buried. The soil should be pressed firmly around the roots to remove any air pockets.
Disease Management
Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. var. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Dorn is relatively resistant to diseases. However, the following diseases might affect the plant:
- Fungal leaf spots: These are caused by different fungi and present as greyish or brownish spots on the leaves. To manage fungal leaf spots, remove and destroy infected leaves, ensure proper spacing between plants, and avoid overhead watering.
- Stem rust: This disease is caused by the fungus Puccinia graminis and presents as yellow or orange pustules on the stems. To manage stem rust, plant resistant varieties, eliminate alternate host plants, such as barberry bushes, and practice crop rotation.
- Fusarium wilt: This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium and presents as wilting, yellowing, or browning of the leaves. To manage Fusarium wilt, ensure proper drainage, practice crop rotation, and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
The following pests might attack Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. var. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Dorn:
- Cereal leaf beetle: These pests feed on the leaves, causing white or brownish patches. To manage cereal leaf beetles, remove and destroy infested plant parts, introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, and apply neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Wheat stem sawfly: These pests lay eggs on the stem and larva feed on the stem, causing the plant to collapse. To manage wheat stem sawflies, plant early, avoid late planting, practice crop rotation, and cut the stems below the nodes during harvesting.
- Cutworms: These pests cut off seedlings at the base of the stem. To manage cutworms, use collars around the plants, introduce natural predators, such as birds, and apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad.
