Overview of Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf
Brachiaria mutica (syn. Urochloa mutica) is a species of perennial grass native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is commonly known by several names including para grass, buffalo grass, and Mauritius signal grass. The plant has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the Americas, for its forage and erosion control properties.
Appearance of Brachiaria mutica
Brachiaria mutica is a tall grass that can reach heights of up to 3 meters. It has long, flat, and pointed leaves that can grow up to 60 cm long and 4-6 mm wide. The stems are often light green and can be either smooth or slightly hairy. The inflorescence is a large panicle with spikelets that form in groups of two to six. The seeds of Brachiaria mutica are small and brownish in color.
Uses of Brachiaria mutica
Brachiaria mutica has several uses, mainly for forage and erosion control purposes. The plant is highly palatable and nutritious for livestock, making it an important forage species. Para grass has been used to improve pasture productivity, especially for dairy and beef production. The plant is also used to control soil erosion, particularly on steep slopes or along riverbanks. Additionally, Brachiaria mutica has potential as a bioenergy crop due to its high biomass yield.
Despite its many uses, Brachiaria mutica can also be considered as an invasive weed in some areas. It is known to form dense, monotypic stands that displace other plant species and reduce biodiversity. The plant has also been reported to cause health problems to livestock that graze on it, such as photosensitivity and liver damage.
Light Requirements
Brachiaria mutica is a tropical grass that requires full sun to grow. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature for the growth of Brachiaria mutica ranges between 25 °C and 30 °C. It can still grow in temperatures as low as 15 °C, although at a slower rate. At temperatures above 35 °C, the growth of the plant may be stunted, and the leaves may wilt. Cold temperatures below 10 °C can damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Brachiaria mutica can grow on a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soil types. However, it usually performs best on well-drained soils with good fertility. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 is optimal for its growth. The grass can also tolerate soils with low fertility, acidic soils, and soils with high levels of aluminum and manganese.
Cultivation Methods
Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf thrives in a wide range of soils with a pH of between 4.5 and 8.0. However, it performs best in moist, well-drained, loamy soils with high organic matter content. The plant is propagated by germinating the seeds, stem cuttings, or dividing the suckers.
Also, if you are planting brachiaria mutica for the first time, it is advisable to plant it during the rainy season to ensure it establishes faster. However, if planted during the dry season, it is necessary to irrigate the plant frequently.
Watering Needs
Adequate water is essential for the growth of Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf. The plant requires frequent and ample watering, especially during dry seasons. The amount of water needed by the plant depends on the plant's age and soil type.
Young plants require less water, which is usually sufficient if they are planted in the rainy season or when the soil is moist. However, older plants require more water, mainly if the soil is sandy and drains water quickly. It is essential to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation.
Fertilization
Fertilization is a necessary practice for any successful Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf plantation. To aid in this, and to prevent stunted growth, gradually introduce 200 to 400 kg/ha of nitrogen, 100 to 200 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 100 to 200 kg/ha of potassium a year after planting the grass. Moreover, to boost the nutrient levels, additional phosphorus and potassium amounts can be added.
The plant also requires micronutrients such as boron, manganese, copper, zinc, iron, and molybdenum, which can be added in small amounts as foliar spray, soil ameliorants, or by using a slow-release source of micronutrient fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf ensures that the plant remains healthy and attractive. Pruning is required when the plant reaches overgrown heights or when it starts to look disheveled. The plant is usually pruned by cutting it back to about 10 to 15 cm above the ground. The best time to prune the plant is in the mid or late rainy season, just before the establishment of a prolonged dry spell.
Furthermore, the trimmed branches and leaves can be left on the ground to decompose and enrich the soil or fed to livestock as dry grasses. Maintenance pruning should be done regularly, at least every six months, as prolonged overgrowth will weaken the plant and cause it to lose leaves and flowers long before it reaches maturity.
Propagation of Brachiaria mutica
Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf is commonly known as para grass and is cultivated as fodder for livestock in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The plant is a perennial grass that can grow up to 2 m in height and spread through various means of propagation.
Propagation Methods
Seed Propagation
Para grass can be propagated through seeds that are collected from the mature inflorescence. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place before planting. Seed propagation is an effective method of propagating Brachiaria mutica, provided that the seeds are of good quality and are handled with care during planting.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Brachiaria mutica and is commonly practiced for commercial production. This method involves the use of various vegetative parts of the plant for propagation, such as stem cuttings, rhizomes, and stolons.
Stem Cuttings
The use of stem cuttings is a popular method of propagating Brachiaria mutica. Cuttings of approximately 15 cm in length should be taken from mature plants and planted into moist soil. With the correct care and attention, these cuttings will root and grow into new plantlets within six weeks.
Rhizome Propagation
Rhizome propagation involves the use of the underground stems of the plant for propagation. The rhizomes should be dug up carefully, washed, and planted into soil that is moist and fertile. The rhizomes will sprout new shoots and roots if the right conditions are provided.
Stolon Propagation
Stolon propagation involves the use of the above-ground stems of the plant for propagation. The stem should be placed in contact with the soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. Within a few weeks, new roots and shoots will appear from the stolon, and a new plant will begin to grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf
Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf, also known as para grass or buffalo grass, is a fast-growing, highly productive, and easy-to-establish forage crop that is used in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. However, it is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can reduce its yield and overall quality. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some suggested ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Leaf spot: Leaf spots are caused by various fungi and they appear as small, dark, circular or irregular-shaped lesions on the leaves of the plant. They can cause defoliation and reduce yield. To manage leaf spot, one can use a fungicide like copper oxychloride or mancozeb and also improve air circulation and drainage around the plants by avoiding overcrowding and irrigating at the right time.
2. Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that appears as pustules or small bumps on the leaves and stems. It can cause yellowing and premature shedding of leaves. Rust can be managed by avoiding overhead irrigation, pruning infected leaves, and using a fungicide like triadimefon or triadimenol.
3. Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and reducing the uptake of water and nutrients. It can be managed by improving soil drainage, avoiding over-irrigation or flooding, and planting resistant cultivars.
Common Pests
1. Armyworm: Armyworms are the larvae of moths that can cause severe damage to the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be managed by monitoring the plants regularly and using appropriate insecticides like spinosad or pyrethroids.
2. Grasshopper: Grasshoppers are another common pest that can damage the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. They can be managed by using physical barriers like nets or screens, removing tall grass or weeds nearby, and using pesticide sprays like carbaryl or malathion.
3. Stem borer: Stem borers are the larvae of moths that can bore into the stems of the plant, causing wilting and even death of the plant. They can be managed by removing infected parts of the plants, practicing good sanitation, and using insecticides like chlorpyrifos or carbaryl.
By implementing these disease and pest management techniques, growers can protect their Brachiaria mutica crops and improve their yield and quality.
