Origin
Brachiaria ciliatissima (Buckl.) Chase, also known as the silky brachiaria, is a species of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. This plant is native to Central and South America, including countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, and Mexico.
Common Names
The Brachiaria ciliatissima is commonly known by various names depending on the region. In Argentina, it is referred to as "Brachiaria peluda", whereas in Brazil, it's commonly known as "grama-de-forquilha" or "braquiária-barba-de-bode". This plant is also called the "silky brachiaria" due to the fine hairs on its inflorescence.
Uses
Brachiaria ciliatissima is a versatile plant that has multiple uses. This species is typically utilized as a forage plant to feed livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep. It is also used as a green manure in crop rotation systems, where the plant's dead biomass is plowed into the soil to enhance its fertility. Additionally, Silky brachiaria is used to prevent soil erosion in farmlands and pastures.
General Appearance
Brachiaria ciliatissima is a perennial grass that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The plant has a tufted growth habit, with the stems emerging from a central point. The leaves are narrow and lanceolate, measuring around 30 cm in length and 6-11 mm in width. The inflorescence is a panicle that measures 20-50 cm long, covered with long silky hairs that give it a soft appearance. The plant's seeds are small and measure 1.5-2.5 mm in length.
Light Requirements:
Brachiaria ciliatissima requires full sun exposure (i.e. at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) for optimal growth and development. In shaded areas, the plant tends to grow slowly and produce fewer shoots and leaves. Hence, it is recommended to grow this grass species in open fields or areas with minimal obstruction from other plants or structures.
Temperature Requirements:
Brachiaria ciliatissima is a warm-season grass species that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with high temperatures. Its growth and productivity are influenced by both minimum and maximum temperatures. Ideally, the plant requires a minimum temperature of 15°C and a maximum temperature of 32°C. Additionally, the grass species is susceptible to frost damage, and thus, planting it in areas with temperatures below 5°C should be avoided.
Soil Requirements:
Brachiaria ciliatissima prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients, with good organic matter content. Sandy loam or clay-loam soils are suitable for this grass species. However, it is essential to note that the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils. Hence, planting it in areas with high water tables or heavy rainfall may reduce its productivity and growth rate.
Cultivation methods for Brachiaria ciliatissima
Brachiaria ciliatissima, commonly known as African bristle grass, requires warm and moist conditions for optimal growth. The seeds of B. ciliatissima need a temperature of about 24°C for their germination and can be sown directly into the soil. The soil should be well-draining and fertile, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The plant needs full sun for at least six hours daily and can tolerate some shade.
Watering needs of Brachiaria ciliatissima
Ensuring adequate water supply to Brachiaria ciliatissima is crucial for its growth and productivity. While the grass can withstand drought conditions, it requires an average of 800-1200 mm of rainfall annually to yield well. If grown in regions with low rainfall, irrigation is necessary, with about 25-50 mm of water per week being sufficient. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and crop failure, hence the need to regulate water application.
Fertilization of Brachiaria ciliatissima
African bristle grass requires regular fertilizer application to ensure high yields. A recommended fertilization program includes applying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is important for initial growth and development, while phosphorus is vital in root formation, plant maturity, and resistance to diseases. Potassium is necessary for improving stress tolerance, disease resistance, and drought relief. A balanced fertilization ratio for Brachiaria ciliatissima should be N:P:K 2:1:1.
Pruning of Brachiaria ciliatissima
Pruning or harvesting Brachiaria ciliatissima is necessary to remove mature material and encourage new or secondary growth. The frequency of pruning or harvesting should be determined by the purpose of growing the grass. If grown for forage or haymaking, then pruning should be done when the crop reaches its vegetative stage (at around six weeks), as this stage has the highest nutritive value. On the other hand, if the plant is being grown for soil conservation purposes, then pruning should be done after it has reached maturity (after six months) to encourage seed formation.
Propagation of Brachiaria ciliatissima
Brachiaria ciliatissima (Buckl.) Chase, also known as the weeping signal grass, is a perennial grass that is commonly found in tropical regions. It is a forage grass that is highly valued for its nutritional content and resilience to drought and pests. The plant can be propagated through several methods, including division, seeding, and vegetative propagation.
Division
Division is a common propagation method for Brachiaria ciliatissima. The best time to divide the plant is during the cool months of the year when the plant is dormant. The root ball should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections. The sections should be replanted immediately in well-draining soil and watered thoroughly. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist until the plant becomes established.
Seeding
Seeding is another method of propagating Brachiaria ciliatissima. The plant produces seeds that are relatively easy to harvest. The seeds should be sown in a well-prepared seedbed and covered lightly with soil. The seedbed should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 10 to 14 days. After germination, the seedlings should be thinned to allow for proper growth.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Brachiaria ciliatissima. This can be done by taking stem cuttings or through tissue culture. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots develop. Tissue culture involves taking small pieces of plant tissue and growing them in a special medium. This method requires specialized equipment and expertise.
Overall, Brachiaria ciliatissima can be propagated through division, seeding, or vegetative propagation. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best method will depend on the specific situation and resources available.
Disease Management
Brachiaria ciliatissima is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its productivity and quality. The following are some common diseases that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases like anthracnose, leaf blight, and rust can cause yield losses in Brachiaria ciliatissima. To manage fungal diseases effectively, the following measures can be taken:
- Use disease-free seed or resistant varieties
- Practice crop rotation to reduce the incidence of disease
- Apply fungicides when necessary and following recommended application rates and timings
- Remove and destroy infected plant debris to reduce the spread of the disease
Viral Diseases
Viral diseases like mosaic and streak can also affect Brachiaria ciliatissima. To manage viral diseases, the following measures can be taken:
- Use virus-tested seed or resistant varieties
- Reduce vector populations through insecticide application
- Remove and destroy infected plant debris to reduce the spread of the disease
- Limit plant damage through practices like careful harvesting and weed management
Pest Management
Brachiaria ciliatissima is also susceptible to several pests that can cause damage to the plant and reduce yield. Here are some common pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Insect Pests
Insects like armyworms, grasshoppers, and mites can cause damage to Brachiaria ciliatissima. To manage insect pests, the following measures can be taken:
- Monitor pest populations regularly and identify the pest species
- Use insecticides when necessary, following recommended rates and timings
- Encourage natural pest predators like birds and beneficial insects
- Use crop rotation to reduce pest populations and damage
Nematodes
Nematodes like root-knot and lesion can also affect Brachiaria ciliatissima and cause yield losses. To manage nematodes effectively, the following measures can be taken:
- Use pathogen-free seed or resistant varieties
- Practice crop rotation with non-host species
- Use nematicides when necessary, following recommended rates and timings
- Implement cultural practices like soil solarization or flooding to reduce nematode populations
Adopting a integrated pest management (IPM) approach is recommended to manage pests and diseases in Brachiaria ciliatissima effectively. IPM involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods to prevent and manage pest and disease problems.
