Introduction:
Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. is a species of grass belonging to the Poaceae family. This perennial grass is native to Africa and is widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This plant is also known by its common names including 'coronilla corona,' 'signal grass,' and 'African signal grass.'
Description:
The plant grows up to 60 - 150 cm tall and has a dense, tufted habit with many stems arising from a single base. The leaves are flat, with a narrow pointed tip, measuring 5-25 cm long and 3-8 mm wide. The inflorescence (flowering structure) is a panicle that emerges from the top of the stem, measuring around 10-30 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. Individual branches of the panicle bear spikelets that are about 3-4 mm long with a single floret each. Your covering bracts are smooth and without hair.
Uses:
Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. is a very useful plant with many applications. The grass is good for grazing livestock such as goats, sheep, and cattle, providing a high-quality source of forage. The plant's high protein content and nutrient value make it an essential component of pasture systems in many countries. It is also utilized for erosion control, soil conservation, and improvement. It has been reportedly cultivated as a fodder in Brazil and Argentina for dairy cows and a few other ruminants such as sheep and buffalo. Besides, it has medicinal properties and has been used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic action.
Appearance:
Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. is an attractive plant with a dense crown of leaves at the top of each stem. The inflorescence is also an interesting feature of the plant, with its branched panicles of tiny spikelets. The leaves of the plant are green in color, and the stems are slender and upright. Overall, the plant has a graceful appearance and can certainly add an ornamental touch to any garden.
Light Requirements
Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It is not tolerant of shade or low light conditions and may exhibit slower growth or stunted development if not provided with adequate sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. is a warm-season grass species, and therefore requires warm temperatures to thrive. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C or above 40°C can hinder growth and development and may lead to plant stress or death.
Soil Requirements
Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. prefers well-draining soils, which means that the soil should not hold water for extended periods. The plant can tolerate various soil types, including sandy loam, loam, clay loam, and clay soils. However, it grows best in soils with a pH range of 5.0-7.5. Adequate soil fertility is also essential for optimal growth and development. The plant requires sufficient amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and other essential micronutrients.
Cultivation
Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. is a grass species that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It is versatile and can grow in various soil types ranging from sandy to clay soils. The planting period usually starts when there is enough rainfall; you can opt to plant the seeds directly or transplant seedlings.
Watering Needs
Watering Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. is essential in its first few weeks after planting. It is advisable to water the plant adequately and ensure that the soil remains moist. However, the frequency of watering can reduce as the plants mature, and the roots go deeper into the soil.
Fertilization
Fertilization is critical for the growth and development of Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. Since it is a grass species, nitrogen is a necessary component in its fertilization. Nitrogen fertilizer should be applied after the plants have been growing for two to three weeks.
Pruning
Pruning Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. is not necessary, as it grows to be a low maintenance grass species. However, for aesthetic purposes, you can trim the blades periodically to keep the grass as tidy as possible.
Propagation of Brachiaria coronifera Pilg.
Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. can be propagated through several methods including seeds and vegetative propagation.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. are small and light. They can be collected from mature plants and sown directly into well-prepared seedbeds. The seeds germinate readily under favorable conditions. The seedlings should be thinned out to allow enough space for growth.
Vegetative propagation
Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and should ideally be about 10-15 cm long. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-drained soil medium and kept moist until roots are established.
Another method of vegetative propagation is through suckers. Suckers are lateral shoots that arise from the base of the plant. When the suckers are mature enough, they can be cut off and planted in a well-prepared seedbed. The suckers should be planted at a depth of about 2 cm and should be kept moist until they establish roots.
Disease Management
The most common diseases that affect Brachiaria coronifera Pilg. are fungal diseases. Some of the prevalent fungal diseases are anthracnose, leaf spot, and rust. These diseases can cause severe damage to plants and reduce forage yield. The management of fungal diseases can be achieved through cultural practices such as crop rotation, avoiding high soil moisture levels, and planting resistant cultivars. Chemical control in the form of fungicide application can also be used.
Pest Management
Several pests attack Brachiaria coronifera Pilg, including grasshoppers, leafhoppers, and armyworms. These pests can cause major damage to crops and reduce forage yields. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices can be used to manage pests. Cultural control practices such as weed control, sanitation, and crop rotation can reduce pest populations. Biological control with the use of natural predators and parasitoids can also be effective. Chemical control through insecticide application can be used as a last resort to reduce pest populations.
