Overview:
Brachiaria jubata, also known as Para grass or Buffelgrass, is a warm-season perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to South America but has been introduced and naturalised in various parts of the world, including Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
Description:
Brachiaria jubata is a coarse, tufted grass that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has a stoloniferous growth habit, forming extensive sods that help to stabilise soil. The leaves are linear, flat, and can vary from 10 to 50 cm in length and 3 to 12 mm in width. The inflorescence is a raceme consisting of several spikes that can be up to 20 cm long and each spike bearing multiple spikelets. The spikelets are usually lanceolate and can be up to 4 mm long with awned lemma and palea.
Common Names:
Brachiaria jubata is commonly known as Para grass or Buffelgrass. It also has other common names in different regions, such as Napier grass, Uganda grass, and Buffalograss.
Uses:
Brachiaria jubata has several uses and benefits, making it a useful grass species. It is commonly used as a forage crop for livestock, particularly in tropical regions, due to its high productivity, good palatability, and nutrient content. It is also used for erosion control and as a cover crop due to its extensive root system and sod-forming ability. Moreover, its vegetative parts are used as biofuel and its ash for making fertilizer.
Light Requirements
Brachiaria jubata typically requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. This plant is not adapted to grow well in shaded areas. The more sunlight it receives, the faster it will grow, and the better it will flower.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Brachiaria jubata growth is between 20°C - 35°C. This plant can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it will not grow as fast or vigorously. On the other hand, high temperatures may affect its growth, especially if the soil dries up and there is no adequate moisture.
Soil Requirements
Brachiaria jubata grows best in well-draining soil that is moderately fertile, deep and adequately moist to wet. The soil pH should range between 5.0 - 7.5, which is slightly acidic. If the soil becomes too acidic, it may cause nutrient deficiencies, specifically phosphorus, which will then stunt its growth.
Cultivation Methods
Brachiaria jubata, also known as brush signal grass, is a perennial grass species that thrives well in warm and humid climates. The plant requires well-drained soils, preferably loam or sandy loam, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Planting should be done at the onset of the rainy season, and seeds should be sown at a depth of 0.5 to 1cm in rows with spacing of 30-50 cm. The seeds should be covered with soil, and the soil should be pressed gently.
Watering Needs
In the first two to three weeks after planting, Brachiaria jubata requires sufficient water for germination and emergence. After establishment, the plant is moderately drought-tolerant and requires watering only when the soil is dry to a depth of 10 cm. However, during prolonged dry spells, the plant requires frequent watering to maintain its green color and ensure healthy growth.
Fertilization
To ensure healthy growth, Brachiaria jubata requires regular fertilization. The plant requires nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a ratio of 2:1:1. Fertilizers should be applied at the onset of the rainy season and should be repeated after every six months. The recommended rate of fertilization is 30-50 kg per hectare of nitrogen-rich fertilizers such as urea. Organic fertilizer such as farmyard manure can also be used.
Pruning
Brachiaria jubata requires regular pruning to promote tillering and control weed infestation. Pruning should be done a month after planting and then at intervals of about 60-90 days. The plant should not be pruned too close to the ground as this may damage the roots and reduce growth potential. Pruned material can serve as mulching material or can be used as animal feed.
Propagation of Brachiaria jubata Plant
Brachiaria jubata, also known as fluffy bristlegrass or rat's tail signalgrass, is a perennial grass species that is native to Africa. It is commonly used for forage and erosion control and is also popular in ornamental gardens. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seeds
The most common method of propagating Brachiaria jubata is through seeds. The seeds are usually harvested from mature plants and are sown in well-prepared soil. The ideal time to plant the seeds is during the rainy season, as the moisture helps them germinate. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm and should be spaced about 15-20 cm apart. The seedlings should be thinned out when they reach a height of 10-15 cm to prevent overcrowding.
Cuttings
Another propagation method for Brachiaria jubata is through stem cuttings. The stems should be cut from healthy plants and should be about 15-20 cm in length. The bottom part of the stem is dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-prepared soil. The cutting should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and humid environment until it develops roots and new growth.
Division
Propagation through division is also possible for Brachiaria jubata. This method involves dividing a mature plant into smaller sections that are then replanted. The plant should be dug out carefully to avoid damaging the roots. The roots can then be divided into smaller sections, each with their own shoots and roots. The divisions are then replanted in well-prepared soil and watered thoroughly.
Caring for Brachiaria jubata
Regardless of the propagation method used, Brachiaria jubata requires care to grow healthy and strong. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the dry season. It also requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth. The plant should be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and to prevent it from becoming too tall and spindly.
Disease and Pest Management for Brachiaria jubata (Fig. & De Not.) Stapf
Brachiaria jubata, also known as woolly signalgrass, is a valuable forage grass commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. However, it is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can drastically reduce its yield and quality. Effective disease and pest management strategies are crucial to maintain healthy Brachiaria jubata crops.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Brachiaria jubata is leaf spot. This fungal disease causes small brown spots and lesions on the leaves and can lead to defoliation, stunting, and reduced productivity. To manage leaf spot, farmers can implement cultural practices such as crop rotation, avoiding overhead irrigation, and removing infected plant debris. Fungicidal sprays may also be necessary in severe cases.
Another fungal disease that can affect Brachiaria jubata is rust. Rust causes yellow-orange pustules to appear on the leaves and stems, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and yield. Rust management can involve similar practices to those used for leaf spot, as well as the use of resistant varieties and fungicidal sprays.
Common Pests
Brachiaria jubata can also come under attack from various insect pests. The most significant of these pests is the spittlebug, which can cause significant damage to the crop by feeding on the sap of the plants. Spittlebug management involves regular monitoring and the use of insecticides as necessary. However, care should be taken to avoid excessive use of chemicals that may harm beneficial insects and cause environmental damage.
Caterpillars, such as armyworms and loopers, can also feed on Brachiaria jubata and cause significant damage. Cultural practices such as manual removal of caterpillars and the use of pheromone traps can mitigate the impact of these pests. Insecticide application may also be necessary in severe cases.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management are essential aspects of Brachiaria jubata cultivation. By implementing effective strategies such as crop rotation, cultural practices, resistant varieties, and the judicious use of pesticides, farmers can maintain a healthy and productive crop that provides valuable forage for livestock.
