Bothriochloa Exaristata (nash) Henr. - Awnless Beardgrass

Overview

Bothriochloa exaristata, commonly known as red beardgrass, is a perennial plant native to North America. It is a member of the Poaceae family, which also includes other grasses such as corn, wheat, and rice. This plant is mainly found in the southern United States, stretching from Arizona to Florida.

Description

Red beardgrass can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a dense clumping growth habit. The leaves of the plant are long and narrow, with a slightly blue-green tinge, and can grow up to 12 inches in length. The stems are thin and wiry and branch out towards the top. The plant blooms in late summer with small spikes of purplish flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the stem.

Uses

Red beardgrass is commonly used in landscaping as a ground cover or for erosion control due to its deep, fibrous roots that can hold soil in place. It is also used in pastureland for forage and grazing of livestock, as it is an excellent source of forage and highly palatable to animals. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever and stomach problems.

Cultivation

Red beardgrass prefers full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is a hardy plant that can withstand drought and high temperatures but does not tolerate wet conditions for long periods. The plant can be propagated by seed or by dividing mature clumps. Once established, it requires minimal care and maintenance.

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Light Requirements

Bothriochloa exaristata (Nash) Henr. requires full sun for optimal growth. It does not tolerate shade and will have stunted growth or become leggy if not provided with adequate sunlight. It is a warm-season grass and will not grow well in cooler temperatures or low light conditions.

Temperature Requirements

Bothriochloa exaristata (Nash) Henr. prefers warm temperatures and has a relatively narrow range of temperature tolerance for growth. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 25-35°C. It can tolerate temperatures up to 40°C, but growth will slow down once temperatures reach this point. It is not frost-tolerant and will not grow in temperatures below 10°C.

Soil Requirements

Bothriochloa exaristata (Nash) Henr. prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6-8. It can grow in various types of soils such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. The soil should be fertile, and the grass will benefit from regular fertilization. It can tolerate moderate drought conditions but will not grow in excessively dry or waterlogged soils.

Cultivation of Bothriochloa Exaristata

Bothriochloa exaristata is a warm-season grass that grows well in hot and dry environments. It can thrive in a variety of soils, including clay, sandy, or loam, but prefers well-drained soils. This grass requires plenty of sunlight and can tolerate some shade.

Watering Needs of Bothriochloa Exaristata

This grass is drought-tolerant and can survive on low amounts of water, making it ideal for arid areas. However, during the establishment period, it needs to be watered regularly to grow healthy roots. Watering should be done deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to at least 6 inches deep.

Fertilization of Bothriochloa Exaristata

The grass can grow well without fertilization in nutrient-rich soils. However, in poor soils, it may require fertilization to thrive well. A soil test can be conducted to determine which nutrients are lacking in the soil. A balanced fertilizer can then be applied in the recommended amounts as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Pruning of Bothriochloa Exaristata

This grass rarely needs pruning except when it's grown for forage or hay. If this is the case, it should be harvested when the grass is around 12-18 inches tall. When cutting the grass, ensure to leave a length of at least 2-3 inches to allow for regrowth. If the grass starts to become too tall or unkempt, mowing should be done to maintain its tidy appearance.

Propagation of Bothriochloa exaristata (Nash) Henr.

The propagation of Bothriochloa exaristata (Nash) Henr. can be achieved through seeds or vegetative methods.

Propagation through Seeds

Seeds of Bothriochloa exaristata (Nash) Henr. can be collected from the plant during the fall season when they are mature. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready for planting. The best time to plant seeds is during the early spring when the temperature is warm enough for the seeds to germinate.

To plant the seeds, prepare the soil by removing weeds and rocks. Plant the seeds at a depth of approximately 1/8 inch in rows, leaving a distance of at least 6 inches between the rows. Water the seeds regularly until they germinate, which can be expected to happen within 10-15 days. Once the seedlings are about 6 inches tall, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.

Vegetative Propagation

Bothriochloa exaristata (Nash) Henr. can also be propagated vegetatively. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them to establish a new plant. The best time to take cuttings is during the early spring when the plant starts to produce new growth.

Take cuttings that are approximately 6-8 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in prepared soil at a depth of approximately 2 inches. Water the cuttings regularly and keep them in a warm and humid environment until they root, usually within 2-3 weeks.

After rooting, the new plants can be transplanted into their final location and grown as normal.

Disease Management

Bothriochloa exaristata is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Some common diseases that may infect the plant include:

• Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes small yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which can grow and merge, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected leaves and use fungicides.
• Crown Rot: This fungal disease attacks the plant's crown and roots, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and planting in poorly drained soils. Use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
• Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes sunken lesions on the leaves and stems, which can cause the plant to defoliate. To control this disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, avoid overhead irrigation, and use fungicides.

Pest Management

Bothriochloa exaristata is also susceptible to pest infestations that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some common pests that may affect the plant include:

• Cattle Grubs: The larvae of cattle grubs feed on the roots of the plant, which can weaken the plant. To manage this pest, apply insecticides to the soil around the plants to kill the larvae.
• Mites: Mites can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To control mite infestations, use miticides and insecticidal soaps.
• Cutworms: Cutworms can cut the stems of the plant at ground level, causing it to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, use insecticides and biological control methods such as parasitic wasps and nematodes.

It is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease and pest infestations and take appropriate measures to manage them. Integrated pest management practices can help reduce the use of chemicals and minimize any negative impacts on the environment while effectively managing pests and diseases.