Overview:
Agropyron distichum (Thunb.) P.Beauv. is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is known by several common names, including crested wheatgrass, standard wheatgrass, fairway wheatgrass, and simply wheatgrass. It is a native plant in Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America as a forage crop and for soil stabilization.
Appearance:
The plant has a strong and deep root system that helps to prevent soil erosion. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring between 20 to 50 cm. They are bluish-green and have a slightly rough texture. The stems are erect, and the inflorescence is a spike-like panicle that grows up to 40 cm long. The seeds are small and oval-shaped, measuring between 4 to 6 mm, and are grey or brown in color.
Uses:
Agropyron distichum is widely used as a forage crop for livestock grazing and hay production. It is also used in land reclamation and soil conservation because of its deep root system. The plant's strong resistance to drought and cold weather makes it a suitable crop for areas with harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, the seeds can be used to make flour, and the plant has medicinal properties that are used in traditional herbal medicine.
Cultivation:
Agropyron distichum requires well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It grows in full sun and can tolerate extreme temperatures and drought. The plant is usually propagated through seeds, which are planted in the early spring. The plants should be spaced between 15 to 20 cm apart to allow for proper growth. It is recommended to plant the crop in a rotation with other crops to prevent soil depletion.
Growth Conditions of Agropyron Distichum
Light: Agropyron distichum grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: Agropyron distichum is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in cold climates down to -40 degrees Celsius and in warm climates up to 35 degrees Celsius.
Soil: Agropyron distichum prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can also tolerate alkaline soil up to a pH level of 8.5.
Water: Agropyron distichum requires moderate watering. It can tolerate drought conditions but grows better with consistent moisture. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot and dry weather.
Fertilizer: Agropyron distichum does not require regular fertilization. However, it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied during the growing season. The fertilizer should be low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium.
Propagation: Agropyron distichum can be propagated by seed or by dividing established clumps. Seeds should be planted in the fall or early spring, while division should be done in the fall or late spring.
Pests and Diseases: Agropyron distichum is generally pest and disease free. However, it can be affected by rust, leaf spot, and stem rust. Pest insects like aphids and grasshoppers may also infest the plant.
Maintenance: Agropyron distichum requires minimal maintenance. The plant should be deadheaded after blooming to promote new growth. It should also be trimmed back in the fall to prevent the accumulation of dead foliage.
Cultivation
Agropyron distichum, commonly known as slender wheatgrass or tworow wheatgrass, thrives in full sunlight and well-draining soil. This plant requires a pH level of 5.5 to 7.3. If the pH level is not within this range, add lime to the soil to achieve the ideal pH level. This plant grows well in USDA zones 3-9 and can be grown in any well-drained soil.
If you want to start Agropyron distichum from seeds, plant them in the early spring or fall. The seeds should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in the soil and about 2 inches apart. The seeds will germinate in about one to two weeks, and the plant will require regular watering for the first few weeks.
Watering Needs
Agropyron distichum plants generally require about 1 inch of water per week. However, additional watering may be necessary during hot, dry weather conditions. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering.
Fertilization
Fertilize Agropyron distichum annually in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. A fertilizer with a 3-1-2 NPK ratio or a 16-4-8 NPK ratio is ideal for feeding this plant. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and methods.
Pruning
Agropyron distichum typically does not require pruning. However, if you desire to maintain a neat appearance, you can cut back the plant's foliage to about 6 inches in height in the early spring or late fall. This will encourage healthy growth and stimulate new foliage.
Propagation of Agropyron distichum (Thunb.) P.Beauv.
Agropyron distichum (Thunb.) P.Beauv., commonly known as the sea wheatgrass, can be propagated via seeds or vegetative means such as rhizome and tiller division.
Propagation via Seeds:
Seeds of Agropyron distichum can be collected from the matured plant during the autumn season when the seeds ripen. The collected seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place before planting. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil or in seed trays filled with potting mix.
The ideal time for sowing is in early spring when the temperature of the soil has reached 15°C. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3 cm and spaced 10-15 cm apart. The soil should be kept moist throughout the germination period, which may take 1-2 weeks.
Propagation via Rhizome Division:
Rhizome division is an effective method of propagating Agropyron distichum. The rhizomes should be dug up during the autumn season and divided into smaller sections with at least one bud on each section. These sections should be replanted in a well-prepared bed with a spacing of 30-40 cm.
The replanted rhizomes should be kept well-watered for the first few weeks to support their growth. The plant will start establishing roots and shoots from the buds present on the rhizomes.
Propagation via Tiller Division:
Tiller division is a method similar to rhizome division but involves the separation of the plant's tillers instead of the rhizome. This method can be used for smaller plants and can also be done during the spring or summer season.
The tillers should be dug up carefully and separated from the parent plant with a sharp knife or garden scissors. The separated tillers should be planted in a well-prepared bed with a spacing of 30-40 cm and kept well-watered for the first few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Agropyron distichum (Thunb.) P.Beauv.
Agropyron distichum commonly known as Two-rowed wheatgrass is a cool-season perennial grass that grows in bunches. It is one of the important forage grasses to provide a good quality of forage for grazing animals. However, this plant is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can reduce its productivity and quality. Proper disease and pest management practices can help to reduce the impact of these problems. Here we discuss some common diseases and pests that affect Agropyron distichum and the strategies to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf rust: Leaf rust is a fungal disease caused by Puccinia triticina that affects leaves of the wheatgrass plant. Symptoms of leaf rust include small, yellow specks on the leaves which later turn rusty brown. The fungus overwinters on plant debris and infects new growth in the spring. To manage leaf rust, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant debris and avoiding overhead irrigation. Fungicides can also be applied preventively.
Crown rust: Crown rust is caused by Puccinia coronata and appears as small, orange pustules on the leaves. Crown rust can cause significant yield losses if left untreated. The best management practices include planting rust-resistant varieties, removing infected leaves, and application of fungicides.
Fusarium crown rot: Fusarium crown rot is caused by Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium pseudograminearum and is a soil-borne disease that can cause wilting and death of plants. Management of the disease includes removal of infected plants and debris, crop rotation, and seed treatment with fungicides.
Pests
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are a common pest of wheatgrass. They feed on the leaves and stem of the plant, which can cause significant damage. Providing adequate moisture and nutrients can help the plant recover from damage by grasshoppers. In severe infestations, application of insecticides may be necessary.
Root maggots: Root maggots are a significant pest of Agropyron distichum that cause wilt and stunted growth of the plants. Crop rotation with non-grass crops and removing crop debris can reduce the density of root maggot larvae. Insecticides can also be applied to suppress root maggot populations.
Cutworms: Cutworms are another common pest that can cause significant damage to wheatgrass. They cut the plant off at the soil level and can cause plant death. To manage cutworms, it is important to establish healthy plants, reduce soil moisture, and use cultural and mechanical control methods such as handpicking and barrier protection. Application of insecticides can also be considered.
Overall, prevention is the key to disease and pest management in Agropyron distichum. Regularly monitoring the crop for disease and pest symptoms, applying cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods in a timely manner, and planting resistant varieties can help to minimize the impact of these problems.
