Origin
Brachiaria reticulata Stapf, commonly known as netted signalgrass or African signalgrass, is a plant species that belongs to the Poaceae family. This grass is native to tropical Africa, specifically in areas extending from Senegal to Sudan and Tanzania, and southwards to Angola, Zambia and Mozambique.
Common Names
The common name of Brachiaria reticulata Stapf varies depending on the region. In Africa, it is called "Swazisimane" in Swaziland, "Lwili" in Zambia and Tanzania, and "Belela" in Mozambique. In South America, it is known as "Capim-braquiária" in Brazil and "Pasto braquiaria" in Spanish-speaking countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
Uses
Brachiaria reticulata Stapf is widely cultivated as a pasture grass for grazing livestock and is often used as a hay crop. It is known to have good yield potential and is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for use in regions prone to dry spells. Additionally, this grass has been found to improve soil fertility, thanks to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in association with soil microorganisms. Brachiaria reticulata is also used in land reclamation projects and soil conservation efforts due to its strong and deep-rooted system that prevents soil erosion.
General Appearance
Brachiaria reticulata Stapf is a perennial grass that grows up to 2 meters tall. The stems are upright and cylindrical with numerous nodes. The leaves are long, thin, and flat, with a bluish-green color and margins that are often folded. The inflorescence is a panicle that emerges from the stem near the top of the plant. The spikelets, which bear the florets, are arranged in two rows on one side of the branch of the panicle and are covered with fine hairs that give the plant its netted appearance. The seed is small, shiny, and brownish in color.
Light Requirements
Brachiaria reticulata Stapf is a warm-season grass that requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade but will grow best in areas that receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight can lead to slow growth and poor development.
Temperature Requirements
Brachiaria reticulata Stapf is a tropical grass that thrives in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 25 to 35°C. Temperatures lower than 15°C or higher than 40°C can cause growth to slow down or stop. Nighttime temperatures should not fall below 10°C as this can cause frost damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Brachiaria reticulata Stapf prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for growth is between 5.5 and 6.5. The grass can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, including sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils, but it prefers soils that are medium-textured. Soil fertility should also be maintained through the addition of fertilizers, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cultivation methods
Brachiaria reticulata Stapf is a warm-season grass that thrives in hot and humid regions. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soil. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C.
The planting season for Brachiaria reticulata Stapf is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The grass can be planted either through seeds or vegetative propagation. If planting through seeds, it is recommended to plant at a depth of 1 cm and to ensure the soil is well-draining. If planting through vegetative propagation, the grass can be split and replanted in the desired location.
Watering needs
Brachiaria reticulata Stapf requires moderate watering, especially during the dry season. It is essential to ensure sufficient water is provided to maintain healthy growth and prevent wilting. However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot. It is recommended to water the grass once in two days during the dry season and reduce the frequency during the rainy season.
Fertilization
Fertilizers are beneficial to the growth of Brachiaria reticulata Stapf as they improve nutrient availability and enhance growth. High-quality nitrogen fertilizers are ideal, as they make up the majority of the plant's uptake requirements. The application of fertilizers should be done during the rainy season or when there is sufficient moisture in the soil.
The amount of fertilizer applied should be based on the soil type, and the grass's growth rate; however, it is recommended to use a fertilizer with 20-10-10-NPK ratio at a rate of 400 kg/ha. Split applications of fertilizers should be applied once every three months throughout the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning Brachiaria reticulata Stapf is essential to maintain a desirable sward height and enhance vegetative growth. When the grass reaches a height of 30 to 40 cm, it is recommended to cut the grass to maintain an optimum height of 10 to 20 cm.
It is crucial to ensure the pruned grass is free from pests and diseases to prevent the spread of infection. The pruned grass can be used for feeding livestock or mixed with other grasses for silage making.
Propagation of Brachiaria Reticulata Stapf
Brachiaria reticulata Stapf is a warm-season perennial grass that can grow up to 1-3 meters tall. It is native to Africa and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions as a forage crop. Propagation is an essential part of the cultivation of this grass, with several methods being used to increase its population.
Propagation Methods
Seeds: Brachiaria reticulata Stapf is propagated primarily by seeds. Seeds are collected from matured plants and sown in prepared seed beds or directly in the field. Pre-treated seeds or scarified seeds may be used to improve germination rates. Germination normally occurs within 7-14 days, depending on soil temperature and moisture. Seedlings are transplanted into the field when they are 3-4 weeks old and have fully formed leaves.
Stem Cuttings: Stem cuttings are also used to propagate Brachiaria reticulata Stapf. Cuttings are usually taken from mature plants during the dormant season and planted directly in the field. The cuttings should be approximately 15-20 cm long and should contain at least one node. After planting, the cuttings are kept moist until they develop roots and begin to grow.
Vegetative Propagation: Vegetative propagation can be achieved through several methods, including layering, crown division, and root division. Layering involves bending a stem to the ground and covering it with soil until roots develop. The new plant is then separated from the parent after a few months. Crown division involves dividing the crown of a mature plant into smaller portions and planting them individually. Root division entails dividing the roots of a mature plant into smaller portions and planting them separately. Vegetative propagation is a slower process than seed or cutting propagation, but it produces plants that are identical to the parent.
Overall, Brachiaria reticulata Stapf can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and vegetative propagation. Successful propagation requires careful attention to soil preparation, planting techniques, and management practices.
Disease and Pest Management of Brachiaria Reticulata Stapf
Brachiaria reticulata Stapf, also known as netted signal grass, is a highly nutritious forage grass that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. However, like all crops, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can reduce its yield and quality. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that affect Brachiaria reticulata and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Brachiaria reticulata is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Bipolaris spicifera. The symptoms include small, dark brown spots on the leaves, which can spread and coalesce, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is recommended to plant disease-resistant varieties, avoid planting in areas where the disease is prevalent, and practice good sanitation by removing infected plant debris.
Southern blight, caused by the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii, can also affect Brachiaria reticulata, causing wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to avoid planting in areas with a history of the disease, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicides to the soil before planting.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Brachiaria reticulata is the spittlebug, which forms a protective foam around itself and feeds on the plant's sap. The symptoms include stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to remove weeds around the crop, use insecticides, and avoid over-fertilization, which can attract spittlebugs.
The armyworm is another pest that can affect Brachiaria reticulata, causing defoliation and reduced yields. To manage this pest, it is recommended to monitor the field regularly for signs of infestation, use biological controls like predators and parasites, and use insecticides as a last resort.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management is crucial for the success of Brachiaria reticulata cultivation. By practicing good sanitation, using disease-resistant varieties, and implementing integrated pest management strategies, farmers can maximize the yield and quality of this valuable forage grass.
