Overview of Brachiaria distichophylla
Brachiaria distichophylla (Trin.) Stapf, also known as Piata grass or Para grass, is a species of tropical grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to South America and has been widely distributed in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia. Brachiaria distichophylla is an important forage crop for livestock due to its high yield, good quality, and nutritional value.
Description and Appearance
Brachiaria distichophylla is a perennial grass with a robust root system, producing a densely-tufted culm that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are dark green, narrow, and flat, with a sharp-pointed tip. They grow in two rows along the stem, hence the species name "distichophylla." The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle that can grow up to 30 cm long, with numerous small spikelets arranged in pairs, each containing several florets.
Common Names
Brachiaria distichophylla is commonly known as Piata grass or Para grass in English-speaking countries. In other parts of the world, it has various local names, such as Buffel grass in South Africa, Gatton panic in Australia, and Sakhi grass in India.
Uses and Benefits
Brachiaria distichophylla is a versatile grass with many uses and benefits. It is primarily grown as a forage crop for livestock, providing a reliable source of high-quality feed for cows, sheep, goats, and other ruminants. It is also used for erosion control, soil conservation, and land reclamation due to its deep root system and ability to tolerate adverse soil conditions. In addition, Brachiaria distichophylla has potential as a bioenergy crop for the production of biofuels and biogas.
Light Requirements
Brachiaria distichophylla (Trin.) Stapf thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and develop properly. When planting this plant, it's important to ensure that it's not in shade for extended periods. Otherwise, this can lead to stunted growth and even death of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Brachiaria distichophylla (Trin.) Stapf is a warm-season grass that prefers temperatures between 25-30 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate frost and cannot grow below 15 degrees Celsius. Temperatures above 35-40 degrees Celsius may cause damage to the plant. In cooler climates, it's essential to plant this grass in the warmest location possible and avoid planting in areas that are prone to frost.
Soil Requirements
The Brachiaria distichophylla (Trin.) Stapf plant grows best in well-draining, fertile soil. It thrives in clay, sandy loam, and loamy soils with a pH range of 4.5-7.0. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. It's important to avoid planting this species in heavy, poorly drained soils, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. This species is also tolerant of soil salinity and can grow well in moderately saline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Brachiaria distichophylla, commonly known as piatao or piata, is a tropical grass that thrives in warm weather and well-drained soils. To cultivate this plant, start by preparing the soil by removing any weeds and loosening up the soil.
It is best to plant the grass during the rainy season, so the roots can establish themselves deep into the soil. Plant the seeds about 1-2 centimeters deep in the soil, and space them apart to allow enough room for growth.
Brachiaria distichophylla has moderate tolerance to shade, so it is important to avoid planting them near large trees or structures that might block the sunlight.
Watering Needs
Brachiaria distichophylla requires adequate water to thrive, especially during the early stages of growth. Young plants should be watered frequently to help establish their roots, but mature plants are more drought-resistant.
Irrigation can be done through sprinklers or dripping systems. It is recommended to water in the early morning or late afternoon, to reduce water loss through evaporation.
The watering frequency and amount should be adjusted based on the weather conditions and soil type. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is essential to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to promote healthy growth and vitality of Brachiaria distichophylla. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential nutrients that this plant needs in abundance.
The best way to fertilize is by using organic matter such as compost or animal manure. Apply fertilizers at the early stages of growth and continue every few weeks during the growing season.
It is crucial not to over-fertilize, as this can cause plant stress and reduce its ability to take up nutrients. A balanced fertilizer with NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratio of 4:1:2 is ideal for this plant.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to keep Brachiaria distichophylla in good shape and encourage new growth. Pruning should be done at least twice a year, and the best time is during the dry season.
The grass should be cut about 10-15 centimeters from the ground level, and the cuttings should be removed to avoid the accumulation of dead matter. Pruning can be done using a brush cutter or a machete.
It is essential to avoid cutting the plant too short, as this can hurt the roots and reduce the quality of the grass. Moreover, allowing the grass to reach overgrown heights can lead to nutrient depletion and reduce the grass's quality.
Propagation of Brachiaria distichophylla
Brachiaria distichophylla can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The sexual method involves the collection of mature seeds from the plants. The seeds can be collected during the dry season, which is usually from January to April. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place before planting. The seeds can be directly planted in the prepared soil or sowed in seedbeds.
Asexual propagation
Brachiaria distichophylla can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings and division of plant clumps.
Stem cuttings can be taken from the mother plant during the rainy season, which is from May to September. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-prepared soil. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings have grown roots and leaves.
Division of plant clumps is another asexual method of propagation. This method involves separating the mother plant clumps into smaller sections before planting. Each section should have a sufficient number of nodes and roots to ensure proper growth.
Disease Management
Brachiaria distichophylla is susceptible to several diseases including smut, leaf spot, and rust. The smut disease is caused by the fungus Ustilago operta and can result in poor seed quality and yield loss. Leaf spot, caused by Bipolaris spicifera, can cause brown spots on leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced growth. Rust, caused by Puccinia spp., can also result in defoliation and yield loss.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to use certified disease-free seed and avoid planting in areas with a history of disease. Crop rotation and use of resistant cultivars are also recommended. Fungicides can be used if necessary, but must be applied according to label instructions and in combination with other management strategies.
Pest Management
Several pests can damage Brachiaria distichophylla, including grasshoppers, spittlebugs, and stem borers. Grasshoppers can cause significant defoliation and yield loss, while spittlebugs feed on plant sap and can spread diseases. Stem borers can cause stem girdling, leading to plant lodging and reduced yield.
Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are recommended for managing these pests. This involves combining various management methods, including cultural practices, biological control, and chemical control. Cultural practices, such as planting clean seed and using pest-resistant cultivars, can help reduce pest pressure. Biological control methods, such as the introduction of natural enemies, can also be effective. Chemical control, using insecticides, should be a last resort and must be applied according to label instructions and in combination with other control measures.
