Brachiaria Numidiana: Origin and Common Names
Brachiaria numidiana (Lam.) Henrard is a significant forage grass native to Africa, including countries like Sudan, Kenya, Chad, and Ethiopia. It's a short-lived, perennial grass that is commonly known as Numidian Rhodesgrass or Henrard's Signalgrass. As it can withstand extended drought periods, it's an essential plant in the arid and semi-arid regions of Africa.
Appearance and Characteristics
Brachiaria numidiana has a unique appearance, with its stem being somewhat slender, delicate, and erect, with a height of about 1-2 meters. The leaves are glabrous and linear, with a length of 20-35 cm and a width of 2-3 mm. The inflorescence of the plant is an open panicle made up of three to twelve racemes. The spikelets are solitary, with an elliptic shape and 2.5-3 mm long.
Moreover, one of the unique characteristics of Brachiaria numidiana is the number of chromosomes. It has a chromosome count of 2n = 36, which is quite different from other Brachiaria species.
Uses and Significance
Brachiaria numidiana is an important livestock forage plant due to its high protein content, dry matter yield, and excellent nutritive value. It's commonly grown in pastures, and it's a preferred grazing option for livestock, especially in the dry season when other forage plants wither. Apart from grazing, the plant is also used to make hay for animal feed. It's important to note that the grass is not only beneficial for livestock; it also helps in soil conservation by reducing soil erosion and restoring degraded soils.
Moreover, Brachiaria numidiana has been found to have several medicinal properties. The plant contains some chemical compounds that have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which are beneficial for human health. It can be used in making traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including wounds, stomach ache, and inflamed eyes.
In conclusion, Brachiaria numidiana is an important plant species in Africa due to its significant uses for livestock forage and soil conservation. Furthermore, its medicinal properties make it a useful plant in traditional medicine.
Light Requirements
Brachiaria numidiana requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It cannot tolerate shaded conditions or low light intensities. Therefore, it is important to provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day for the plant to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for Brachiaria numidiana growth is between 20°C to 35°C. It can tolerate high temperatures up to 40°C but cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is important to grow Brachiaria numidiana in regions with warm temperatures and protect it from frost or low temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Brachiaria numidiana requires well-draining soils that are fertile, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. It grows best in soils that are deep, loamy, and have good water-holding capacity. It cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions or poorly drained soils. Therefore, it is important to choose the right soil type and improve soil fertility through regular fertilization and organic matter addition.
Cultivation Methods for Brachiaria Numidiana
The cultivation of Brachiaria numidiana requires sandy or loamy soils with good drainage. It grows well in areas with a tropical climate, and it is adapted to a wide range of soil pH. The seeds can be sown in small containers, and the seedlings can be transplanted into the field when they reach 15-20cm in height. It is recommended to plant the seedlings in rows with a distance of 30-40cm between them.
Watering Needs for Brachiaria Numidiana
Brachiaria numidiana requires average to high amounts of water. It should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure adequate growth and development. Irrigation can be done using drip, sprinkler, or flooding methods, depending on the available resources and the farmer's preference.
Fertilization of Brachiaria Numidiana
Brachiaria numidiana can benefit from the application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers such as urea or ammonium sulfate. Phosphate fertilizers can also be used to improve root development. The application rate for fertilizers should be determined by the soil fertility and the crop's growth stage. The fertilizers can be applied as a top-dressing or incorporated into the soil during land preparation.
Pruning Brachiaria Numidiana
Pruning Brachiaria numidiana can help maintain its growth and prevent it from becoming too dense. It is recommended to prune the crop when it reaches a height of 50-60cm. The pruning should be done using pruning shears or a brush cutter. The cut stems and leaves can be used as mulch, which helps to retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.
Propagation of Brachiaria numidiana (Lam.) Henrard
Brachiaria numidiana is a perennial and productive forage grass commonly used for grazing, soil conservation, and erosion control. Propagation of this plant can be carried out through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
In sexual propagation, seeds are the standard method for the multiplication of this plant. The seeds of Brachiaria numidiana are small, light brown, and have an average weight of 80,000 seeds/Kg. To obtain a uniform stand, it is recommended to sow 2-3 Kg of viable seeds per hectare. Before planting, seeds should be treated with a fungicide to prevent the attack of fungal diseases. Sowing is preferably carried out during the rainy season when the soil is moistened to ensure germination.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation involves vegetative parts of the plant, such as stem cuttings. This method is useful to propagate improved cultivars that are not true to type when grown from seeds. The most appropriate time to take cuttings is at the beginning of the rainy season when there is enough soil moisture to promote rooting. Cuttings of 10-20 cm in length are taken from mature Brachiaria numidiana plants and planted in a rooting medium. It is recommended to dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone solution to enhance root formation. Within 2-4 weeks, new B. numidiana plants will emerge from the cuttings.
Disease Management
Brachiaria numidiana is susceptible to various diseases that might affect its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases that are known to affect the plant:
- Leaf spots: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It causes small, circular spots on the leaves, which might enlarge, merge, and cause defoliation. The disease spread easily in wet conditions, and the use of resistant varieties is the best way to manage it
- Panicle blight: This disease is caused by the fungus Drechslera spicifera. It causes discoloration of the panicles and reduces seed production. The best way to manage this disease is through the use of resistant varieties and the removal of infected residues.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow, orange, or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It is favored by high humidity and temperature. The best way to manage rust is through the use of resistant varieties and fungicides.
Pest Management
Insects and pests might also damage Brachiaria numidiana. Here are some of the common pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them:
- Armyworms: These are small caterpillars that feed on the leaves of the plant. Severe infestations might cause defoliation and yield losses. The best way to manage armyworms is through early detection and the use of insecticides
- Mites: Mites are small insects that suck the sap out of the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. The best way to manage these pests is through the use of acaricides and maintaining proper plant nutrition to handle drought conditions and other stress
- Termite: Termites are soil inhabiting pests that feed on the roots of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting. Termites can cause severe damage to a crop but can be managed via proper land preparation and planting only sterile seeds with susceptibility screening
Integrated pest management methods should be used to control and manage pests and diseases in Brachiaria numidiana. This includes the use of cultural practices such as crop rotation, proper land preparation, and planting resistant varieties and also the use of chemicals via a professional offering correct doses and directions.
