Overview:
Brachiaria glycerioides Chiov. is a species of grass native to Africa. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is commonly known as Glyceria Brachiaria.
Appearance:
The plant reaches a height of 30-150 cm and has a creeping rhizome. The leaves are flat, 6-40 cm long, and 2-10 mm wide. The inflorescence is a panicle with 4 to 20 cm long branches, bearing spikelets that are 3-4 mm long.
Uses:
Brachiaria glycerioides is commonly used as forage for livestock in the tropics due to its high nutritional value. It is also used to stabilize soil in areas where erosion is a problem. Furthermore, it is believed to possess medicinal properties, and it is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Common Names:
Glyceria Brachiaria is known by several common names, including creeping signalgrass, African signalgrass, and Rhodesian signalgrass.
Light Requirements
Brachiaria glycerioides Chiov. typically requires full sunlight or partial shade for optimal growth. The plant is highly adaptable to varying light conditions and can thrive in areas with both direct and indirect sunlight. However, excessive shade may lead to reduced growth and production of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 25? to 32?. It can tolerate higher temperatures of up to 40?, but this may affect its growth and development. In areas with colder temperatures, the growth of Brachiaria glycerioides Chiov. may slow down, although it can still survive in temperatures as low as 10?.
Soil Requirements
Brachiaria glycerioides Chiov. thrives in well-drained, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and rocky soils. However, the soil should have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils and may suffer from root rot under such conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Brachiaria glycerioides Chiov. can be cultivated using seeds or vegetatively propagated through stem cuttings. The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can be grown in different climates such as tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. The ideal temperature for growth ranges from 20°C to 28°C.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering during the dry season and well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Irrigation should be done weekly during the growing period and reduced during the dormancy period.
Fertilization
Brachiaria glycerioides Chiov. requires regular fertilization to thrive. The application of manure or compost is essential in maintaining soil fertility. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a ratio of 4:2:1. The application of fertilizer should be done during the growing period at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks.
Pruning
Pruning is important for the plant's productive performance and to control weeds. It is recommended to prune the plant to 10-15 cm above the ground after the growing season. The pruning operation helps to increase stem density, leaf area, and biomass yield. Additionally, pruning also helps the plant to develop resistance to pests and diseases.
Propagation of Brachiaria glycerioides Chiov.
Brachiaria glycerioides Chiov. can be propagated through seeds, vegetative parts, or tissue culture techniques.
Seed Propagation
Seeds should be collected from healthy plants and allowed to dry thoroughly before storage or use. Pre-sowing treatment involves soaking the seeds in water for 12 hours before spreading them on a well-prepared seedbed. The seeds should then be lightly covered with soil and watered regularly until germination occurs. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 14 days after planting.
Vegetative Propagation
Brachiaria glycerioides Chiov. can be propagated through vegetative parts such as stem cuttings and root divisions. Stem cuttings should be collected from healthy plants and planted in a moist rooting medium. Root divisions can be taken from mature plants by carefully separating the roots and planting them in a new location. Vegetative parts should be planted at the same depth as they were previously grown and watered regularly until new growth appears.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture techniques can also be used to propagate Brachiaria glycerioides Chiov. This involves the aseptic cultivation of small plant parts on a culture medium containing nutrients and growth regulators. This method allows for the rapid multiplication of plants and the production of disease-free plants. It has the added advantage of producing plants that are identical to the parent plant, thereby maintaining genetic purity.
Disease Management
Brachiaria glycerioides Chiov. is susceptible to various diseases such as Anthracnose, Rust, and Curvularia Leaf Spot among others. To manage these diseases, it’s essential to practice good sanitation measures like removing infected plant debris. Crop rotation after a significant infection can also help decrease disease pressure. Use of disease-resistant varieties and timely application of suitable fungicides can also control these pathogens.
Pest Management
There are several pests that may attack Brachiaria glycerioides Chiov. These include Spittlebugs, Armyworms, and Cutworms. By practicing good agricultural practices such as maintaining healthy soil, regular irrigation, and healthy plant nutrition, is paramount in avoidance of pest infestation.
In case of an infestation, methods such as the use of physical barriers, such as sticky traps can be implemented. Insecticides with narrow and specific target pests may be used to reduce further damage. For better control of damaging pests, a combination of mitigation methods is advisable.
