Overview:
Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. is a species of grass belonging to the Poaceae family. It is commonly known as Ceylon citronella grass or Sri Lankan citronella grass and is native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly Sri Lanka and India. The plant is known for its aromatic oil, with high levels of citronella, used in perfumes, soaps, and insect repellents.
Appearance:
The plant typically grows up to 1.5 meters in height and has a dense tufted growth habit. It has long, slender, and cylindrical green leaves that can reach up to 60 cm in length and 0.6 cm in width. The flowers of the plant are arranged in spikelets, and the seeds are small and brown.
Uses:
Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. is used for its aromatic oil. The oil is extracted from the grass through steam distillation and is used in the production of perfumes, soaps, and insect repellents. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as malaria, fever, and digestive issues. The plant is also used for erosion control, as it has a deep root system that helps stabilize soil.
Light Requirements
Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. commonly known as sandal or khus khus grass prefers full sunlight or partial shade for optimum growth. The grass can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, but the quality of the forage and oil yield decreases with a decrease in light intensity.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm tropical to subtropical climate for optimum growth. The ideal temperature range for the plant growth is between 25°C to 35°C. The grass can survive at a wide range of temperatures from 5°C to 45°C. However, the growth rate slows down in extreme temperatures, and frost can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. prefers well-drained soils with good organic matter content. It can grow in various types of soils such as sandy, loamy, and clayey soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. However, the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, and prolonged waterlogging can cause the death of the plant. The plant can grow in poor and infertile soils but requires additional fertilizers to maintain the growth rate.
Cultivation of Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f.
Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. commonly known as lemon grass or British Indian lemongrass, is originated in India and is extensively found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a perennial grass and can grow up to 2 meters in height. The following are some of the cultivation methods that you can adopt to grow Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f.:
- Choose a location that is well-drained and receives full sunlight.
- Prepare the soil by adding organic matter to it. The soil pH should be between 5.0 to 7.5.
- Plant the lemongrass stem cuttings after the last frost date in spring or early summer.
- Space the plants at least 3 feet apart to give them enough room to grow.
- Maintain the soil moisture to keep the plants healthy and growing.
Watering Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f.
Watering is an essential part of plant care. Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. requires regular watering to grow healthy and maintain its aroma.
- Water the plants frequently during the warmer months and less during the colder months.
- Avoid over-watering, as it may lead to root rot or other related diseases.
- Ensure the soil moisture is consistent but not too damp.
Fertilization of Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f.
Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. requires some fertilization to grow well and maintain its aroma. Here are some tips on how to fertilize the plant:
- Fertilize the plant with nitrogen-rich fertilizers every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure for better results and healthier plant growth.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as it may lead to excessive growth and may dilute the aroma in the leaves.
Pruning Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f.
Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and appearance. Here are some tips on how to prune the plant:
- Cut back the plant once every year during the early spring to encourage new growth.
- Remove any dead stems or leaves to maintain a healthy plant.
- Avoid cutting too close to the ground as it may cause damage to the roots.
Propagation of Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f.
Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. is commonly known as Ceylon citronella grass. It is a perennial, rhizomatous grass species widely propagated for various purposes including essential oil extraction. The following are the methods of propagating Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. is through seed propagation. The grass produces viable seeds that can be harvested and used for propagation. The seeds are extracted from mature spikelets and are sown on prepared seedbeds. It is recommended to mix the seeds with sand or fine soil to ensure even distribution during sowing. The seedlings emerge within 14-21 days after sowing and can be transplanted when they reach a height of 5-10 cm.
Division Propagation
Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. can also be propagated through division of mature clumps. This method is useful when establishing a new plantation or when expanding an existing one. The mature clumps are dug up and divided into smaller portions with each division having a viable root system. The divisions are then immediately transplanted into prepared soils.
Bio-technology Propagation
Recent advancements in biotechnology have made it possible to propagate Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. using tissue culture techniques. This method involves taking a small portion of mature plant tissue and germinating it in vitro. Once the plants have developed a viable root system and shoots, they are transplanted into pots or prepared soils. This method is advantageous as it ensures quick multiplication of the plants and offers uniform seedlings of high quality.
Disease and Pest Management of Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f.
Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f., commonly known as Lemon Grass, is a perennial grass that is widely used for its fragrance and medicinal properties. Despite its hardiness, this plant is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Lemon Grass is rust, which is caused by the fungus Puccinia nardus. This disease is characterized by the appearance of yellowish-orange pustules on the leaves, which can cause defoliation and reduced growth. To manage rust, it is important to remove infected leaves and destroy them by burning or burying to prevent further spread. In severe cases, fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Bacterial leaf blight is another disease that can affect Lemon Grass. It is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris and is characterized by the appearance of water-soaked lesions on the leaves. Infected leaves eventually turn brown and dry up, leading to reduced growth and yield. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected leaves and destroy them. Copper-based fungicides can also be effective in controlling the disease.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Lemon Grass are aphids, which are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. Infested plants are characterized by distorted growth, yellowed foliage, and the presence of sticky honeydew. To manage aphids, it is important to remove them manually or with a strong stream of water. In severe cases, insecticides can also be used to control the pests.
The shoot borer (Conogethes punctiferalis) is another pest that can affect Lemon Grass. These larvae bore into the stems of the plant, causing wilting and reduced growth. To manage this pest, it is important to remove and destroy infected stems. Insecticides can also be used to control shoot borers.
In conclusion, disease and pest management is essential for maintaining the growth and yield of Andropogon nardus L. var. stracheyi Hook.f. Farmers and gardeners growing this plant should be aware of common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and take appropriate measures to manage them. Proper care and timely management can ensure healthy growth and good yield of Lemon Grass.
