Origin and Common Names
Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf, commonly known as ‘Narok signalgrass,’ is a plant species belonging to the Poaceae family that is native to the African savanna
General Appearance
Narok signalgrass is a robust bunching grass that grows up to 3 meters tall and has a thick stem that can reach 5mm in diameter. This plant presents elongated and flat leaves, green in color and with a noticeable midrib. Its inflorescence is composed of panicles, which can reach 30cm in length and have a reddish color.
Uses
Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf is a crucial grass species for both grazing and hay-making purposes in East Africa. Being nutritious and palatable, this species is an essential fodder for cattle and other grazing animals, particularly during the dry season when other food sources are scarce. Additionally, Narok signalgrass can act as an ornamental plant for landscaping projects due to its attractive appearance.
Light Requirements
Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf requires full sun for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade but might not produce as many leaves or thrive as well as it would in full sun. It is ideal to place the plant in an open area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures. The recommended temperature range for optimal growth is between 20°C and 35°C, although it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 40°C. Extreme temperatures may cause the plant to become dormant or die.
Soil Requirements
Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range between 4.5 and 7.5, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 being ideal. Sandy loam or clay loam soils are ideal for cultivation. The plant requires frequent watering in the initial growth stages but once established, the plant can tolerate drought conditions for short periods. Overwatering or waterlogging should be avoided as it can damage the roots and stunt the growth of the plant.
Cultivation
Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf is a tropical grass that is easy to cultivate. It can be grown both in the open field and in containers. The soil type should be well-draining, and the pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5. The seedling should be planted in a hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
Watering Needs
Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf requires moderate water once established. The grass is drought-resistant, but it performs better when the soil is consistently moist. It is advisable to water the plant once every week during the dry season.
Fertilization
The grass needs regular fertilization to thrive. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. The application of the fertilizers should be done once every 2 months. However, it is important to avoid over-fertilization as this may lead to burning of the roots.
Pruning
Pruning Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf is not a requirement, but it is recommended to do so to maintain the plant's neat appearance. The best time to prune the grass is during the growing season. Cutting the grass to a height of 2-3 inches is ideal as it promotes the vigor of new growth.
Propagation of Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf
Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed propagation
The most preferred method of propagation for Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf is through seeds. The seeds are produced in large quantities in the plant's inflorescence heads and can be harvested when they are fully matured and dried. The harvested seeds can be stored for future propagation activities or planted directly in the field.
Vegetative propagation
Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be obtained from healthy plants that are not diseased or infected. The cuttings should have at least two to three nodes and should be planted in the soil or potting media. The cuttings should be kept moist and under shade until they root and establish well.
Tissue culture propagation
Another method of propagating Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf is through tissue culture. This method involves the use of plant tissues to produce large numbers of plantlets under aseptic conditions. This method is efficient in propagating disease-free planting materials, although it requires specialized skills and facilities.
Disease Management for Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf
Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf is prone to diseases caused by fungi and bacteria, which can significantly reduce yields in affected plants. Some of the common diseases that can affect Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf include leaf spot, stem rust, and root rot.
To manage diseases in Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf, it is essential to adopt preventative measures such as carrying out regular field inspections, destroying infected plant materials, and practicing crop rotation. Fungicides and bactericides can also be used for chemical control of these pathogens.
Pest Management for Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf
Insects and pests can also negatively impact Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf. Pests such as armyworms, aphids, and mites can cause significant damage to the leaves, stems, and roots of the plants, thereby reducing whole-plant productivity.
To manage pests in Brachiaria pubifolia Stapf, proper field hygiene practices such as crop rotation, keeping the field free of weeds and debris, and using trap crops can be helpful. Additionally, insecticides can be used for chemical control of insect pests. However, when using insecticides, it is essential to follow instructions carefully and avoid applying them close to harvest time to prevent contamination of the produce.
