Brachiaria Oligobrachiata (pilger) Henr. - >>urochloa Oligobrachiata

Origin

Brachiaria oligobrachiata (Pilger) Henr. is a species of grass that is native to South America. It is found in countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Common Names

The common names for Brachiaria oligobrachiata (Pilger) Henr. includes African signal grass, signal grass, and kikuyu grass.

Uses

Brachiaria oligobrachiata (Pilger) Henr. is a popular forage grass for livestock production in tropical and subtropical areas. The grass is highly palatable and provides excellent forage for cattle, sheep, and goats. It is also used for erosion control and soil improvement. The grass has a deep root system that helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Additionally, Brachiaria oligobrachiata (Pilger) Henr. has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and dysentery.

General Appearance

Brachiaria oligobrachiata (Pilger) Henr. is a perennial grass with stems that can reach up to 2 meters in height. The leaves are green and can grow up to 40 centimeters long and 10 millimeters wide. The grass produces a large number of seed heads that are branching and spreading. The seeds are small and have a pale brown color. Brachiaria oligobrachiata (Pilger) Henr. is characterized by its ability to form thick mats on the ground and is a very aggressive species in natural and cultivated grasslands.

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Light Requirements

The plant species Brachiaria oligobrachiata requires full sunlight exposure and should not be grown in shaded areas. Partial shade may be tolerated but may impact the growth rate of the plant.

Temperature Requirements

Brachiaria oligobrachiata typically grows in tropical regions with warm temperatures, and it is recommended that it be grown in temperatures ranging between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. This species does not tolerate frost and will die if exposed to cold weather conditions.

Soil Requirements

This plant species prefers well-drained soils with good fertility. It grows best in soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and does not tolerate waterlogged or saline soils. The recommended soil type is sandy to loamy soil types with good organic matter content and aeration.

Cultivation Methods

Brachiaria oligobrachiata (Pilger) Henr. is a warm-season grass that can smoothly adapt to a wide range of climatic conditions, from the humid tropics to the semi-arid subtropics. The plant usually prefers soils with a pH of 4.5 to 8.0, and loamy or clay-textured soils that are well-drained. Experts recommend planting the seeds during the late wet season or early dry season, preferably from September to November.

Planting the seeds should commence when the soil is moist enough to allow easy digging, and the optimal temperature for germination is around 25°C. Seeding rate depends on the usage and location of the grass, but it ranges from 4-6 kg per hectare for pure stands, 3-4 kg per hectare in association with legumes. In addition, it is vital to ensure that the plants get access to enough sunlight, as Brachiaria oligobrachiata (Pilger) Henr. does not grow well in, shade, or in the absence of sunlight.

Watering Needs

Brachiaria oligobrachiata (Pilger) Henr. is a resilient warm-season grass and can grow well in areas with an average annual rainfall of 1000-1700 mm. The plants are relatively tolerant to drought, which is critical for locations with unpredictable rainfall patterns.

During the establishment phase, proper moisture management is necessary. The soil must be moist but not saturated, and irrigation may be required if rainfall is scarce. Once the plant has established itself, it requires less water, and overwatering can result in root rot or breeding ground for pests.

Fertilization

Like other grasses, fertilizing Brachiaria oligobrachiata (Pilger) Henr. is crucial for its growth and productivity. Fertilization needs depend mainly on the soil fertility, desired yield, and usage. Experts usually recommend conducting a soil test to determine the ideal nutrients required to maximize productivity.

The recommended dosage of fertilizers is usually applied when the grass reaches a height of 20-25 cm. A total of 100-150 kg NPK (20-10-10) per hectare is recommended, and 0.5 kg-1 kg of NPK fertilizer is suggested at each mowing interval. In addition, It is recommended to use organic-based fertilizers such as compost and poultry litter, which not only improve the soil fertility but also minimize environmental pollution.

Pruning

Pruning is an essential component of cultivation in most grass species, and Brachiaria oligobrachiata (Pilger) Henr. is no exception. Mowing is primarily utilized to manage the height of the grass, prevent the reseeding, regulate seed production, and maintain the quality of the stand.

The mowing interval depends primarily on the growth rate and the intended use of the grass. Typically, sustaining the height of the grass at around 15-25 cm is desirable for forage production. On grazing lands, it is crucial to keep the grass at a manageable height, approximately 10 cm, to encourage regrowth and prevent overgrazing.

Propagation of Brachiaria oligobrachiata

Brachiaria oligobrachiata can be propagated via seeds or vegetatively through stem cuttings.

Propagation through seeds

The seeds of Brachiaria oligobrachiata are small and should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm in well-drained soil. The optimal time for sowing is during the rainy season when soil moisture is high. Seedlings should emerge within two to three weeks.

Before planting, the seeds should be cleaned and any damaged or discolored ones should be discarded. Scarification or acid treatment can help break the dormancy of the seeds and improve germination rates. Seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to one year.

Vegetative propagation

Vegetative propagation through stem cuttings is a faster and more efficient way to propagate Brachiaria oligobrachiata. Cuttings can be taken from mature plants during the growing season. They should be about 15-20 cm long and have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil.

The planted cuttings should be kept moist and shaded until roots develop, which can take up to two to three weeks. Once the plants have established, they can be transplanted to the field.

It is important to note that Brachiaria oligobrachiata is a hybrid species, and as such, does not produce true-to-type seeds. Vegetative propagation is therefore the recommended method for maintaining genetic purity and ensuring desirable traits in the offspring.

Disease and Pest Management for Brachiaria Oligobrachiata Plants

Brachiaria oligobrachiata (Pilger) Henr. is a grass species native to South America, commonly used for grazing and as a forage crop. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can reduce its productivity and quality. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested management techniques:

Common Diseases

Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and usually infects the leaves and stems of the plant. Symptoms include circular brown lesions on leaves and stem cankers, which can result in plant death if left unchecked. To manage anthracnose, use disease-free seeds and maintain proper irrigation and fertilization to reduce stress on the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.

Leaf Rust: Leaf rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia brachiariae and can cause significant yield loss in the plant. Symptoms include small, yellow pustules on the underside of leaves that eventually turn brown. To control leaf rust, ensure proper drainage and remove infected plant debris. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.

Stem Rot: Stem rot is caused by the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii and affects the stem and roots of the plant. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves, as well as softening and rotting of stem tissue near the soil line. To manage stem rot, remove infected plant material and improve soil drainage. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.

Common Pests

Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of various moth species, and they can cause significant damage to the plants by cutting off the stem at or below the soil level. To control cutworms, remove weeds and plant debris where they might lay their eggs, and use organic methods such as introducing natural predators or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

Armyworms: Armyworms are the larvae of moth species and can feed on the leaves and stem of the plant. Symptoms include ragged leaves and stem damage. To control armyworms, use pheromone traps or natural predators, and remove plant debris where they might lay their eggs.

Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can cause significant damage to Brachiaria oligobrachiata by feeding on leaves and stems. To control grasshoppers, remove weeds and debris that might provide shelter, and use natural predators or chemicals labeled for specific grasshopper control.

In conclusion, proper disease and pest management practices are critical to maintain the productivity and quality of Brachiaria oligobrachiata plants. By using a combination of cultural and chemical methods, farmers can effectively manage diseases and pests in their crops.