Agrostis volkensii Stapf
Agrostis volkensii Stapf, commonly known as Volkens' bentgrass, is a species of grass native to Africa. It is named after Georg August Schweinfurth's companion, Richard Volkens, who collected the type specimen.
General Appearance
This plant typically grows in tufts, with slender stems that can reach up to 80 cm in height. Its leaves are narrow and flat, with pointed tips and rough edges. The inflorescence is a panicle made up of spikelets that are green or purplish in color.
Common Names
Agrostis volkensii is commonly known as Volkens' bentgrass in English, while in Swahili it is referred to as Mchicha wa Volkens or Mliborodoo.
Uses
Agrostis volkensii is primarily used as a forage crop for livestock in Africa. It is known to be highly palatable and nutritious, especially during the rainy season. It is also used as an erosion control agent due to its ability to form a dense cover. In addition, it has been studied for its potential as a biofuel crop.
Light Requirements for Agrostis volkensii Stapf
Agrostis volkensii Stapf requires full sunlight exposure for at least six hours a day for proper growth and development. This plant also tolerates partially shaded areas, but its growth and reproductive success are often lower than those plants growing in full sun.
Temperature Requirements for Agrostis volkensii Stapf
Agrostis volkensii Stapf thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with average temperatures ranging between 19°C and 35°C. These plants can resist temperatures up to 38°C for short periods, but prolonged exposure can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements for Agrostis volkensii Stapf
Agrostis volkensii Stapf prefers well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.5-7.5). These plants grow best in soils with high organic matter content and adequate nutrient supply. They can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, but they grow best in loamy soils that can retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Cultivation methods for Agrostis volkensii Stapf
The cultivation of Agrostis volkensii Stapf requires well-drained soil that contains enough nutrients to sustain the plant. The plant can be grown from seeds or through propagation by dividing the clumps. The ideal time to plant the seeds or divide the clumps is in the fall or early spring when the soil is moist and warm.
When planting the seeds, ensure that you place them in shallow soil, covering them lightly with a thin layer of soil. When propagating through division, ensure that the clumps contain enough roots that can be divided into smaller pieces.
Watering needs for Agrostis volkensii Stapf
Agrostis volkensii Stapf requires adequate watering to ensure that the soil is always moist. The plant does not tolerate drought or waterlogging. It is essential to ensure that you water the plants well, especially during the hot and dry weather. The best time to water plants is early in the morning or in the evening.
Try to avoid spraying water on the blades as this could lead to fungal infections, leading to the death of the plant.
Fertilization for Agrostis volkensii Stapf
Agrostis volkensii Stapf requires regular applications of fertilizers to ensure that the plant has enough nutrients to sustain it. The best time to fertilize the plants is in early spring or fall. You can use a slow-release fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Alternatively, you can apply compost to the plants.
After applying the fertilizer or compost, ensure that you water the plants well to ensure that the nutrients are absorbed into the soil.
Pruning for Agrostis volkensii Stapf
Agrostis volkensii Stapf does not require much pruning. However, if you notice that the blades are too long and have started to wilt, you can trim them down. Also, after the flowering season, you can trim the plants to remove the dead flowers and improve the overall appearance of the plant.
Ensure that you use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Additionally, ensure that you trim the blades evenly to avoid creating bald spots on the plant.
Propagation of Agrostis volkensii Stapf
Agrostis volkensii Stapf is generally propagated via seed. The following are the common propagation methods used for this plant:
Seed Propagation
Agrostis volkensii Stapf produces seeds that can be used for propagation. The seeds are collected when they are dry and mature. They are then cleaned, and any debris is removed. After this, the seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until they are needed.
Before sowing, the seeds are usually soaked in water for 1-2 hours. This helps to soften their hard coat and allows for faster and more even germination. The seeds are then sown in a prepared seedbed or directly in the field. The seedbed should be well-drained and fertile with a pH of 6.0-7.0. The seeds are usually sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and covered lightly with soil.
After sowing, the soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes between 7-14 days, and the seedlings begin to establish roots within a few days. The seedlings are thinned to a suitable distance depending on the intended use of the plant.
Agrostis volkensii Stapf can also be propagated vegetatively, but this is less common. The plant produces tillers that can be removed and planted elsewhere. However, this is usually done for the purposes of maintaining genetic diversity rather than for large-scale propagation.
Disease Management
Agrostis volkensii Stapf is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Brown Patch: This fungal disease appears as circular patches with brownish-grey turfgrass blades. Fungicide application can control it.
- Leaf Rust: It appears as yellow-orange spots on the leaf blades, causing them to turn yellow and die. Fungicide spray and proper irrigation can prevent the spread of the disease.
- Pythium Blight: This is a severe disease that affects the blades and roots of Agrostis volkensii Stapf. Over-watering and poor drainage can create an environment that promotes the disease. Apply fungicide to control this disease.
Pest Management
Agrostis volkensii Stapf is susceptible to several pests, including:
- Nematodes: These are small worms that attack the roots of the plant. They cause poor plant growth and yellowing of the leaves. Use nematode-resistant cultivars or apply nematode-controlling agents to the soil.
- Chinch Bugs: They are small insects that suck the sap from the blades of the plant, causing yellow patches to form. Use insecticidal drench or spray to control the spread of the pest.
- Army Worms: They are caterpillars that feed on the blades of the plant, leaving brown patches on the turfgrass. A proper pest control program can help to keep the pest under control.
