Overview
Anisantha tectorum (L.) Nevski, also known as greater quaking grass or hairy brome, is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it has been introduced to North America, where it is considered an invasive species in some areas.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 1.2 meters tall, with long, slender leaves that are green or bluish-green in color. The flowers are arranged in loose clusters, and each spikelet contains several small flowers. The seed heads are large, loose, and nodding, and each seed is surrounded by long, spreading awns.
Uses
Anisantha tectorum is primarily used for forage and erosion control, and is also sometimes grown as an ornamental plant. In some countries, the seeds are used as a food source for humans and livestock.
Common Names
Common names for Anisantha tectorum vary by region and include greater quaking grass, hairy brome, drooping brome, and tall oatgrass.
Typical Growth Conditions for Anisantha Tectorum
Anisantha tectorum (L.) Nevski, commonly known as the Downy Brome or the Cheatgrass, is an annual grass species that has become a problematic weed in many parts of North America, as well as in other parts of the world. Understanding its growth conditions is crucial in devising strategies for its control and management.
Light Requirements
Anisantha tectorum is adapted to grow in a wide range of light regimes, from full sun to partial shade. However, its growth and reproduction are most vigorous under ample sunlight exposure, which stimulates its photosynthesis and energy accumulation. In shaded areas, its growth is limited, and it tends to grow taller and produce fewer seeds.
Temperature Requirements
Anisantha tectorum has a broad temperature tolerance range, from as low as -20°C to as high as 40°C. However, its optimal temperature range for growth is between 15°C and 30°C. At temperatures below its lower limit, the germination rate and growth activity will be reduced, whereas, at temperatures above its upper limit, the plant may experience water stress and reduced physiological functions.
Soil Requirements
Anisantha tectorum prefers well-draining soils with moderate to low moisture levels. It can grow in soils with a range of textures, from sandy to clayey, as long as they are not waterlogged or highly compacted. It can also tolerate soils with low fertility and low pH levels. However, it may grow better in soils with higher nutrient availability and neutral pH levels.
Cultivation methods for Anisantha tectorum (L.) Nevski
Anisantha tectorum grows well in well-drained soil and full sunlight areas. The best time to plant them is in mid-spring, and they can be propagated by division or seed.
Seed should be sown 1cm deep in rows, giving 20 to 25 centimeters between each row. The seedlings should be thinned when they reach a height of 5cm and kept moist until they get established.
Watering needs for Anisantha tectorum (L.) Nevski
It is essential to keep the soil moist during the first few weeks of seedling growth to enable it to establish firmly. Thereafter, they require moderate watering, and the soil should not be too wet, which might inhibit their growth. During the late summer and autumn periods, watering should be reduced to prevent rotting.
Fertilization for Anisantha tectorum (L.) Nevski
These plants do not require much fertilizer. Adding a layer of compost to the soil will provide the required nutrients for growth. Applying a layer of mulch around the plant during the hot summers will help retain water and provide added nutrients to the soil.
Pruning for Anisantha tectorum (L.) Nevski
Pruning should be done after or during the flowering season. Cut the stems back to the first set of leaves. It helps in increasing the flower yield, and it maintains the size and shape of the plant. Anisantha tectorum is not a long-lived plant, so it is best to replant once the plant becomes weak or stops producing flowers.
Propagation of Anisantha tectorum (L.) Nevski
Anisantha tectorum, commonly known as greater brome or simply brome, is a cool-season, annual grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. Propagation of Anisantha tectorum can be achieved by several methods including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Anisantha tectorum is through seed propagation. The seeds of the plant can be collected from the mature plant during the late summer or early fall when the seedheads have turned brown and dry. It is important to collect the seeds at this time to ensure they are fully matured.
Once the seeds have been collected, they can be sown directly in the garden bed. The soil should be loosened and well-draining to ensure better germination success. The seeds can be sown in rows or broadcasted throughout the garden bed. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water them adequately.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Propagation of Anisantha tectorum can also be achieved through vegetative methods such as stem or rhizome cuttings. Stem cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during the early spring, when there are enough shoot tips to spare. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm in length and should have at least three to four nodes along the stem.
The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then placed in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix. The pot should be placed in a bright, indirect light and kept at a constant humidity level of around 70%. With proper care, the cuttings should develop roots within a few weeks.
Rhizome cuttings can also be taken from mature Anisantha tectorum plants during the growing season. The rhizomes should be dug out carefully and cut into small sections, each containing at least two nodes. These sections can then be planted in a garden bed with well-draining soil and ample moisture.
Overall, Anisantha tectorum can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods relatively easily, allowing for the expansion and cultivation of this desirable species.
Disease management
Anisantha tectorum (L.) Nevski, commonly known as the greater brome grass, is susceptible to various fungal diseases that can seriously affect its growth and overall health. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is the leaf rust disease caused by Puccinia dispersa, resulting in the production of rust-colored circular or oval lesions on the leaves.
To manage this disease, it is essential to apply fungicides as soon as the symptoms are noticed. Regular monitoring and early detection of leaf rust can help prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the plant. It is also recommended to maintain proper ventilation in the plant growing area and avoid watering at night to prevent the formation of dew, which can promote disease growth.
Another disease that affects Anisantha tectorum is the crown rust disease caused by Puccinia coronata, resulting in the production of small orange or yellow pustules on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, regular scouting of the plant is essential to detect the symptoms early, and the infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest management
Anisantha tectorum is also susceptible to various pests, which can cause significant damage to the plant. One of the most common pests that affects this plant is the aphids, which can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and deformation of plant parts.
To manage aphids, it is essential to monitor the plant regularly and remove any visible aphids using a strong jet of water or by physically removing them. Additionally, it is recommended to introduce natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to the plant growing area as a biological control measure. In severe cases, insecticides can be applied, but this should be done as a last resort and with caution to avoid harming beneficial insects or the environment.
Other pests that can affect Anisantha tectorum include cutworms, grasshoppers, and mites. The management of these pests involves careful monitoring of the plant, physical removal of the pests, and the use of appropriate insecticides or acaricides if necessary.
