Overview of Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard
Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard, commonly known as Ruzi grass, is a warm-season perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. The plant originated in Africa, particularly in the savannah regions of the Congo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Appearance of Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard
Ruzi grass has a robust and extensive root system with numerous nodes along its stems. The plant can grow up to a height of 1.5 meters with leaves that are green or greenish-purple and are about 15-30 cm long. Ruzi grass has a unique feature that allows the growth of tall and short stems creating a tufted appearance. This feature helps to maintain a dense and healthy cover in pastures. Additionally, it has an extensive fibrous root system that can tolerate drought, poor soils and facilitate soil conservation.
Uses of Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard
Ruzi grass is widely cultivated as a forage grass in tropical regions and is regarded as one of the best adapted to acid soils and low fertility. The plant is highly palatable to livestock such as cows, buffaloes, and goats. Farmers use it to improve pasture productivity and to replenish soil nutrients that may have been depleted due to overgrazing or intensive farming. Additionally, the plant is used as a cover crop, and for soil preservation because it produces massive amounts of biomass which returns nutrients to the soil when it decomposes.
Moreover, Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard, through its vast and deep fibrous root system, can control soil erosion in sloping topography. It can significantly reduce runoff and create a conducive environment for the growth of other crops in the area.
Conclusion
Ruzi grass is an essential crop in tropical regions, and its unique features make it an essential component for pasture improvement and soil conservation. Farmers and livestock keepers benefit enormously from this plant, and they continue to propagate it for sustainable agriculture.
Light Requirements
Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard is a grass species that requires moderate to high levels of light for optimal growth. It thrives in open areas with exposure to sunlight and does not do well in shaded environments. If planted in areas with insufficient light, the grass will become leggy and prone to disease and pest attacks.
Temperature Requirements
Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard is a warm-season grass that requires temperatures between 20 to 34°C for optimal growth. It can tolerate high temperatures and drought conditions but does not do well under extremely low temperatures. Frost and prolonged periods of cold weather can kill the grass, making it unsuitable for cultivation in areas with cold climates.
Soil Requirements
Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard favors well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Soils with poor drainage or those that are too acidic or alkaline are unsuitable for the grass. The plant is tolerant of low soil fertility and can grow in soils with low nitrogen content. However, it responds well to nitrogen fertilization, and regular soil testing is recommended to determine the appropriate nutrient requirements.
Cultivation Methods
Brachiaria ruziziensis Germand & Evrard, also known as Congo signal grass, is typically grown for forage production and soil improvement. The plant thrives in hot, humid climates and is propagated through seeds or vegetative methods. When cultivating, ensure that the soil is loose, well-draining, and rich in nutrients. The plant should be sown in shallow furrows or drilled rows at a rate of 2 to 4 kg per hectare.
Watering Needs
After planting, the soil should be kept moist to facilitate the seed's germination process. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to rotting and other diseases. Once the plant has established roots, it requires moderate watering. The watering interval should be based on soil moisture levels and weather conditions. During the dry season or prolonged drought, the plant should receive adequate watering to avoid stunted growth.
Fertilization
Brachiaria ruziziensis is a very productive grass, and it requires a sufficient nutrient supply. Fertilizers should be applied regularly, particularly nitrogen. A balanced fertilizer application is recommended, including NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) nutrients in a ratio of 3:1:2 should be applied between 30-40 days after planting or based on soil test results. It is important to note that excessive fertilizer application can lead to environmental pollution and nutrient imbalances.
Pruning
Pruning should be conducted as part of the grass management practices. Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the plants' health, preventing rank growth, and promoting vegetative growth. The ideal time to prune Brachiaria ruziziensis is during the flowering stage when the plants are about 1.5 meters tall. A 10-15 cm cutting height is recommended to allow the plants to regenerate quickly and prevent damage to the crown. Pruning the plants should be done every 45-60 days, depending on the intended use and the plant's growth rate.
Propagation methods of Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard
Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard, commonly known as Ruzi grass, is a high-yielding tropical forage plant. It is propagated through several methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Brachiaria ruziziensis. The seeds, which are small and hard, require some pre-treatment before sowing. Scarification, soaking in hot water, or acid treatment could be given to improve germination. Farmers can direct seed into the soil, or dry seeds can be stored for as long as possible to be sown during the planting season.
Vegetative propagation
Brachiaria ruziziensis can also be propagated vegetatively. The most common method of vegetative propagation is stem cuttings. The cuttings are taken from mature plants and can be rooted either in the soil or water. After rooting, the cuttings are planted straight into the field at a spacing of 30-50 cm, depending on the fertility of the soil. The cutting method is advantageous as propagation of desired plant qualities, including forage quality, disease resistance, and yield characteristics, is maintained.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation is relatively a new method and currently, limited information is available on its application for Brachiaria ruziziensis. The method involves using plant parts, such as leaf, stem, or root, to develop new plants. The tissue culture method is essential in maintaining desirable plant qualities and in the production of disease-free plantlets.
Disease Management
Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard is susceptible to various diseases that can lead to poor growth and yield loss. The following are some common diseases that affect the plant:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by multiple fungal pathogens and is characterized by small, round spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is critical to maintain proper spacing between the plants, practice good field hygiene, and apply fungicides.
- Rust: Rust disease manifests as yellow to orange-brown pustules on the leaves, stems, and sheaths. It is caused by the fungus Puccinia spp. To manage rust, use resistant varieties and apply appropriate fungicides.
- Smut: This disease is caused by fungi that infect the flowers and ovaries of the plant, resulting in the formation of black, powdery masses. To manage smut, remove and destroy infected plant debris and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard is also vulnerable to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Armyworms: Armyworms are the most common pest of Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard. They feed on the leaves and can cause severe defoliation. To manage armyworms, use integrated pest management techniques such as crop rotation, biological control, and proper use of insecticides.
- Stem borers: Stem borers are a severe pest of Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard. They bore into the stems, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage stem borers, uproot and destroy infected plants, use resistant varieties, and apply appropriate insecticides.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and reduced yields. To manage aphids, use integrated pest management techniques such as crop rotation, biological control, and appropriate use of insecticides.
