Overview
Andropogon appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack. is a perennial grass native to Africa. It belongs to the Poaceae family, which is the fifth largest family of flowering plants.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "polyclad finger grass" or simply "finger grass." It is called "polyclad" because of the numerous branches it has at the base of the stem.
Appearance
Andropogon appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack. grows up to 1.5 meters tall and has a characteristic tufted growth habit. Its stem is generally thin and wiry, with many branches growing from the base. The leaves are long and narrow, up to 50 cm in length and 1 cm in width. The inflorescence is a dense raceme of several spikelets up to 10 cm in length.
Uses
Andropogon appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack. is used for a variety of purposes. The stem and leaves are used as fodder for livestock, particularly cattle and goats. The seeds are also edible and are used to make porridge and other dishes. The plant has medicinal properties and is used to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and sore throat. It is also used in traditional ceremonies and rituals.
Growth Conditions for Andropogon appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack.
Light: Andropogon appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack. thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It is ideal to grow this plant in an area where there are no obstructions that could block the sunlight.
Temperature: The plant thrives best in hot temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from a minimum of 18°C to a maximum of 40°C. At a minimum temperature of 18°C, the growth is slowed, and the plant may not survive in very cold temperate regions. At the same time, temperatures above 40°C may lead to stress, and the plant may fail to grow, especially with inadequate moisture levels.
Soil Requirements: Andropogon appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack requires well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soils. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil must have good moisture-holding capacity to support the plant's growth and development over long periods. In addition, the soil should be rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients to promote growth.
Irrigation: The plant requires moderate moisture levels throughout its growth stages. Regular watering should be done and avoid waterlogging the soil. Irrigation should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid sun scorch and evaporation losses.
Fertilizer Requirements: To achieve optimum growth, a balanced fertilizer should be applied to the soil during planting. This is especially important if the soil is not rich in organic matter. A complete fertilizer such as NPK 20-10-10 should be applied at the rate of 40g/m2 at planting. Thereafter, a 20-10-10 fertilizer should be reapplied at the same rate every six weeks until maturity.
Other requirements: To maintain excellent growth and ensure bushy and dense foliage, the plant should be regularly pruned. The plant may also require support in windy areas as it may bend and break if not well supported. Regular weeding should also be done to help prevent weed competition, which can slow the growth of the plant.
Cultivation of Andropogon Appendiculatus Nees var. Polycladus Hack.
Andropogon Appendiculatus Nees var. Polycladus Hack. is a hardy plant that can adapt to various soil types. However, for optimal growth, it is best to plant it in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in areas with a lot of sunlight and does not tolerate heavily shaded areas. Thus, it is essential to plant it in an area with plenty of sunlight.
Watering Needs of Andropogon Appendiculatus Nees var. Polycladus Hack.
Proper watering is crucial for the growth and survival of Andropogon Appendiculatus Nees var. Polycladus Hack. The plant requires moderate watering, particularly during the growing season. The best way to water the plant is by providing deep watering sporadically instead of shallow watering frequently. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Fertilization of Andropogon Appendiculatus Nees var. Polycladus Hack.
To ensure optimal growth and development of Andropogon Appendiculatus Nees var. Polycladus Hack., it is crucial to provide them with the right nutrients through fertilization. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) ratio for best results. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season at least once every three months.
Pruning Andropogon Appendiculatus Nees var. Polycladus Hack.
Pruning is usually not necessary for Andropogon Appendiculatus Nees var. Polycladus Hack. However, it is advisable to remove any dead or damaged leaves regularly to maintain the plant's health and visual appeal. Additionally, removing any spent flowers will encourage new growth and blossoming, ensuring the plant remains vibrant and healthy.
Propagation of Andropogon appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack.
Andropogon appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack. can be propagated by various means which include:
Seed Propagation
A. appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack. produces abundant seeds, which can be sown directly onto a seedbed or in pots. Seeds should be collected during the dry season from mature plants, when they start to fall off. The collected seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months before planting. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should be pressed gently into the soil surface, followed by watering to maintain moisture.
Division
The clump-forming habit of Andropogon appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack. makes it an ideal candidate for division. The clumps should be dug up with a spade and divided into smaller sections using a sharp knife or spade. Each division should have a viable root system and several shoots. The separated sections can be replanted into pots or beds to grow.
Vegetative Propagation
Andropogon appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack. can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant, using a sharp knife or secateurs. The cuttings should be about 15 - 20 cm long, with a few nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings into rooting hormone powder to enhance rooting. The cuttings can be planted into a potting mix, and kept under mist until roots have developed.
Disease Management
Andropogon appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack. is susceptible to various fungal diseases, including rusts, leaf blights, and root rots.
Rusts are fungal diseases that cause yellow, orange, or brownish powdery spots on the leaves and stems. To manage rusts, you may need to apply fungicides that contain copper or triazole compounds. Ensure that you follow the application rates and timing instructions on the fungicide label. You may also need to remove the affected plant parts and dispose of them properly.
Leaf blights are fungal diseases that cause irregularly shaped lesions on the leaves. The lesions may be black, brown, or grayish. To manage leaf blights, you may need to apply fungicides that contain azoxystrobin or pyraclostrobin. Ensure that you follow the application rates and timing instructions on the fungicide label. You may also need to remove the affected plant parts and dispose of them properly.
Root rots are fungal diseases that affect the roots and cause stunting, yellowing, or wilting of the plant. To manage root rots, you may need to apply fungicides that contain thiophanate-methyl or fludioxonil. Ensure that you follow the application rates and timing instructions on the fungicide label. You may also need to improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
Andropogon appendiculatus Nees var. polycladus Hack. is susceptible to various insect pests, including aphids, grasshoppers, and leafhoppers.
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant and cause distortion, yellowing, or wilting of the leaves and stems. To manage aphids, you may need to apply insecticides that contain imidacloprid or malathion. Ensure that you follow the application rates and timing instructions on the insecticide label. You may also need to use beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to control the aphid population.
Grasshoppers are large, jumping insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant and cause defoliation or stem breakage. To manage grasshoppers, you may need to apply insecticides that contain carbaryl or spinosad. Ensure that you follow the application rates and timing instructions on the insecticide label. You may also need to use physical barriers, such as nets or fences, to prevent the grasshoppers from accessing the plant.
Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing, curling, or stunting of the leaves. To manage leafhoppers, you may need to apply insecticides that contain acephate or bifenthrin. Ensure that you follow the application rates and timing instructions on the insecticide label. You may also need to use reflective mulches, such as aluminum foil or plastic, to repel the leafhoppers.
