Bothriochloa Edwardsiana (gould) Parodi - Edwards Plateau Beardgrass

Origin

Bothriochloa edwardsiana (Gould) Parodi, commonly known as Cane Bluestem or Cane Beardgrass, is a perennial grass that is native to Mexico, Central, and South America. It has also been introduced to Australia, southern Asia, and some parts of Africa.

Common Names

The plant is commonly known as Cane Bluestem or Cane Beardgrass. It is also known as Cebadilla Criolla in Spanish.

Uses

Bothriochloa edwardsiana has several uses. It is often used as a forage crop for livestock grazing on rangelands. The grass is also used for soil conservation due to its extensive root system that helps to reduce soil erosion. It is also commonly found in ornamental gardens due to its attractive appearance.

General Appearance

Bothriochloa edwardsiana is a robust grass that can grow to a height of 1-2.5 meters. The stems are erect and can be either solitary or in small clusters. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring about 10-50 cm in length and 5-12 mm in width. They are green and glabrous, with prominent veins on the upper surface. The inflorescences are dense and cylindrical, with spikelets arranged in pairs. The seeds are small and narrow, with a length of about 2-4 mm.

here

Light Requirements:

Bothriochloa edwardsiana grows best under full sun exposure. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. Inadequate sunlight may result in weak stems and stunted growth.

Temperature Requirements:

Bothriochloa edwardsiana is a warm-season grass species that thrives in hot temperatures. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 10°C - 40°C. However, the optimum temperature range for its growth is between 25°C - 35°C. Frost and chilly temperatures can cause damage to the plant.

Soil Requirements:

Bothriochloa edwardsiana grows well in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, but extreme pH levels can affect its growth and development. Additionally, the soil should be rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Cultivation Methods

Bothriochloa edwardsiana (Gould) Parodi, also known as Cane bluestem, is a warm-season bunchgrass that has the capacity to grow up to 3 feet tall. This plant thrives well in full sunlight conditions and requires well-draining soil for optimum growth. It prefers sandy and loamy soils but can tolerate clay soils as well.

When planting, seeds should be sown half-inch deep into the soil during the late spring or early summer season, two weeks before the last expected frost. Adequate spacing of about 10-12 inches apart should be maintained between each seed. Irrigation should be moderate during the establishment period, and the soil should be kept moist.

Watering Needs

Cane bluestem requires adequate moisture for robust growth. The optimal amount of water required by this plant is approximately one inch of water per week, depending on the climate and soil type. Too much water is harmful to this plant as it favors fungal diseases, root rot, and soil erosion. The plant should be watered consistently, avoiding over-watering and allowing the soil to dry between each watering session.

Fertilization

Bothriochloa edwardsiana (Gould) Parodi can grow well without fertilizer if planted in good soil. However, applying fertilizers can increase the plant's productivity and health. Fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium can promote root development and improve the plant's drought tolerance. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided as too much nitrogen can cause stunted growth and contribute to the development of fungal diseases.

Pruning

Pruning is not required for cane bluestem as it is a low-maintenance plant. However, removing dead leaves or stems can enhance air circulation and reduce the chances of fungal infections. If used for grazing, the plant should be harvested when sufficiently matured while leaving enough grass for re-growth. Clean feeding of livestock on the Cane bluestem's leaves and stems can promote lower post-grazing residuals and improve plant re-growth.

Propagation of Bothriochloa edwardsiana

Bothriochloa edwardsiana (Gould) Parodi commonly known as Cane bluestem is a warm-season perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family. The plant reproduces through both sexual and asexual means, allowing for a variety of propagation methods.

Seed Propagation

The most common method of propagating Cane bluestem is through seed propagation. Seeds should be collected from the plant when they are fully mature, dry, and starting to disperse. The seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place for later use. It is important to scarify the seeds before planting since their hard seed coat can hinder germination. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm and kept moist until germination. Germination typically occurs within 1-3 weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted into their final location when they are large enough to handle.

Vegetative Propagation

Cane bluestem can also be propagated vegetatively through rhizomes or stem cuttings. Rhizomes are underground stems that can be divided and replanted in a new location. Stem cuttings can be taken from mature plants and should be 5-10 cm long, with a node at the base. The cutting should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots form. Vegetative propagation can result in genetic variation than seed propagation since the new plants are clones of the parent plant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bothriochloa edwardsiana can be propagated through several methods, including seed and vegetative propagation. Seed propagation is the most common method and requires scarification to increase germination rates. Vegetative propagation can also be successful but can result in genetic variation. Choose propagation method depending upon your requirements for the plant.

Disease and Pest Management for Bothriochloa edwardsiana

Bothriochloa edwardsiana, commonly known as Cane bluestem, is a warm-season grass species that is mainly used for forage production and conservation. The maintenance of this plant is vital for a successful harvest, and this requires efficient disease and pest management strategies. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Bothriochloa edwardsiana and ways to manage them.

Diseases

Fungal diseases are the leading cause of economic losses in Bothriochloa edwardsiana. Here are a few common fungal diseases that can infect this plant and ways to control their spread:

Leaf Spot and Blight

These foliar diseases are caused by several fungal species, such as the Bipolaris and Curvularia genera. Symptoms of infection include the formation of lesions on leaves that gradually enlarge. Infected leaves eventually turn yellow and fall off.

To manage these diseases, it is important to practice sanitation measures like removing all infected plant debris around the field. Proper irrigation scheduling and aeration of the crop canopy can also help reduce humidity levels, which inhibit the spread of fungal infections. Fungicides may also be applied when symptoms first appear.

Stem Rust

Stem rust is caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia graminis. Symptoms of infection include elongated reddish-brown pustules on the plant stems, leaves, and spikes. When severe infections occur, the plant may lose its leaves, resulting in reduced yield.

To manage this disease, it is recommended to plant resistant varieties. Fungicides may also be applied when the disease starts to show. Proper sanitation and removal of plant debris can also help minimize the spread of the disease.

Pests

Insect and animal pests may also pose a significant threat to Bothriochloa edwardsiana. Here are some common pests that might affect them and ways to manage them:

Armyworms

Armyworms are common pests that feed on the foliage and stems of Bothriochloa edwardsiana. Signs of infection include ragged leaf edges, defoliation, and feeding activity during the night.

To manage these pests, it is important to use integrated pest management techniques that involve chemical applications combined with cultural practices such as removing plant residue, planting resistant varieties, and adjusting the planting date to avoid peak pest population periods.

Root-Knot Nematodes

Root-knot nematodes are microscopic worm-like pests that invade the plant's roots, reducing its ability to absorb nutrients and water. Symptoms of infection include stunted growth, a reduction in volume and yellowing of the foliage, and the presence of small knots near the root zones.

To prevent the spread of nematodes, it is important to practice crop rotation using non-host crops, such as legumes, grasses, and broadleaf plants. In severe cases, solarization of the soil can also help kill the nematodes, but this practice might inflict damage to the plant roots.

Conclusion

Bothriochloa edwardsiana is a valuable warm-season grass plant species that can benefit from a robust disease and pest management strategy. Through proper sanitation, integrated pest management, and cultivation practices, farmers can increase the quality and yield of their crops, reducing their economic losses and preserving the environment's health.