Overview
Brachiaria humidicola, also known as Koronivia grass, is a tropical grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is an important forage source for livestock and has been widely cultivated for pasture establishment.
Origin
Brachiaria humidicola is native to Africa but has been introduced to many tropical regions across the world, including South America, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It is commonly found in humid areas, usually in lowland pastures, grasslands, and along riverbanks.
Common Names
Aside from Koronivia grass, Brachiaria humidicola also goes by other common names such as humidicola, signal grass, and Koronivia grass.
Appearance
Brachiaria humidicola is a perennial grass that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a prostrate growth habit with stems that can root at the nodes. The leaves are green, flat, and widely spaced. The inflorescence is a panicle that can grow up to 35 cm, and the seeds are oblong with a pointed tip.
Uses
Brachiaria humidicola is a popular forage crop for livestock as it is highly nutritious and palatable. Its extensive root system makes it tolerant to drought and suitable for soil conservation. It is also used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion in vineyards and orchards. Additionally, it has medicinal properties and has been used to treat several ailments such as hypertension, fever, and arthritis.
Light Requirements
Brachiaria humidicola requires full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. It can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, but it grows best in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature
This plant is native to tropical regions, so it thrives in warm and humid conditions. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C, but it grows optimally in areas where temperatures average between 25°C to 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Brachiaria humidicola prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are not waterlogged. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 5.5 to 7.5.
In addition, Brachiaria humidicola is adapted to grow in areas with high rainfall, but it can also survive in areas with a dry season as long as the soil has good water-holding capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Brachiaria humidicola is a warm-season perennial grass that grows best in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant prefers well-drained soils, with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0, and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Propagation can be done through stem cuttings, seedlings, or seed. The recommended planting density is 4-6 kg/ha of seeds or 30 cm x 30 cm spacing for stem cuttings. The best time to plant is at the beginning of the rainy season when the soil is moist.
Watering Needs
Brachiaria humidicola requires regular watering, especially during the establishment phase. The grass should be watered immediately after planting and for the first 3-4 weeks. After that, the frequency of watering can be reduced to once or twice a week, depending on soil moisture and rainfall patterns. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Brachiaria humidicola is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to maintain good growth and productivity. A combination of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is recommended. The fertilizer rate will depend on the soil fertility, age of the pastures, and the expected yield.
A common fertilization practice is to apply 50kg/ha of N and 25kg/ha of P before the rainy season, followed by another 50kg/ha of N after the first harvest. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be used to provide a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period.
Pruning
Brachiaria humidicola can grow up to 2 meters high if left unmanaged. Regular pruning or grazing is essential to maintain optimal height, remove weeds, and improve the quality of forage. The grass should be pruned or grazed when it reaches a height of 60-70 cm and allowed to regrow to 30-40 cm before the next pruning or grazing.
Overgrazing should be avoided, as this can lead to the depletion of soil nutrients and stunted growth of the grass. A rest period of 4-6 weeks between grazing cycles is recommended to allow the grass to recover and maintain optimal productivity.
Propagation of Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweick
Brachiaria humidicola, also known as koronivia grass, is a common tropical grass species widely used for forage production and soil conservation purposes. It is a perennial bunchgrass with a high level of adaptability to different soil types and climates.
Vegetative propagation
The most common method of propagating Brachiaria humidicola is through vegetative means, such as stem cuttings or sprigs. Stem cuttings are obtained by selecting healthy and vigorous stems from mature plants and cutting them into 10-15 cm long sections, which are then planted vertically into the soil at a spacing of 10-15 cm. It is advisable to apply rooting hormones to the cuttings to promote faster root formation. Sprigs are small sections of stems with leaves that are planted horizontally on prepared seedbeds and covered with soil. The sprigs root and develop new shoots within a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted to the field.
Seed propagation
Brachiaria humidicola can also be propagated by seeds. However, seed propagation is less common due to the low percentage of viable seeds produced and the difficulty in collecting them. For seed propagation, mature panicles are collected from the mother plant before they shatter. The seeds are then extracted, cleaned, and stored in cool and dry conditions until planting time. The seeds are planted on prepared seedbeds and covered with a thin layer of soil. Germination occurs within 7-10 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted to the field after they have grown to a height of 10-15 cm.
Division
Division is another propagation method that can be used for Brachiaria humidicola but is less common. It involves dividing the clumps of mature plants into smaller sections and planting them separately. This method is usually used for plant multiplication in small-scale production systems or when the mother plant has matured and needs to be rejuvenated.
Overall, Brachiaria humidicola can be successfully propagated through vegetative means, sprigs, or seeds, depending on the availability of planting materials and the desired outcome. Proper management practices, such as regular irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, can enhance the success of the propagation process and ensure the establishment of a healthy and productive stand.
Disease Management
Brachiaria humidicola is susceptible to several diseases that can affect the plant's growth and yield. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the plant's leaves. These spots appear brown or black and can be surrounded by a yellow halo. To manage this disease, farmers can apply fungicides and maintain proper plant spacing to promote air circulation and reduce leaf wetness.
- Rust: This disease causes orange or reddish-brown spots on the plant's leaves, stems, and sheaths. Rust can severely reduce plant growth and yield. To control rust, farmers can apply fungicides and remove infected plant materials from the field.
- Black Shank: This is a soilborne disease caused by a fungus that attacks the plant's roots. Plants affected by black shank turn yellow, wilt, and eventually die. To manage black shank, farmers can use resistant varieties and practice crop rotation with non-host crops.
Pest Management
Brachiaria humidicola can also be affected by pests that can damage the plant's leaves, stems, and roots. The most common pests that attack this plant include:
- Armyworms: These pests can cause severe defoliation of the plant's leaves. To manage armyworms, farmers can use insecticides and introduce natural enemies such as predators and parasites.
- Stem Borers: These pests tunnel inside the plant's stems and can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. To control stem borers, farmers can use insecticides and remove and destroy affected plant materials.
- Nematodes: These pests attack the plant's roots and can cause stunted growth and yield loss. To manage nematodes, farmers can use nematode-resistant varieties and practice crop rotation with non-host crops.
Overall, regular monitoring of the plant and timely action against pests and diseases are critical to ensuring the success of Brachiaria humidicola cultivation.
