Brachiaria Schoenfelderi C.e.hubb. & Schweick.

Origin

Brachiaria schoenfelderi C.E.Hubb. & Schweick. is native to Brazil.

Common Names

The plant is commonly known as "Pojuca" in Brazil.

Uses

Brachiaria schoenfelderi C.E.Hubb. & Schweick. is used as forage for livestock, particularly cattle. It is also used for erosion control and soil improvement due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.

General Appearance

Brachiaria schoenfelderi C.E.Hubb. & Schweick. is a tall, perennial grass that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are long and narrow, and the stems are densely covered with soft hairs. The plant produces small, spike-like seed heads at the end of long stalks, which are often curved. The seeds are tiny and brown in color.

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Light Requirements

Brachiaria schoenfelderi C.E.Hubb. & Schweick. thrives in full sunlight. Although it can withstand some shade, it prefers direct sunlight for optimal growth. In low light conditions, the plant may become spindly and weak, making it vulnerable to pests and diseases.

Temperature Requirements

This plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers a warm and humid climate. It can grow in temperatures ranging from 20-35 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius can adversely affect the plant's growth, and the plant cannot survive prolonged frost periods.

Soil Requirements

Brachiaria schoenfelderi C.E.Hubb. & Schweick. grows well in well-drained soils that have a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It requires fertile soil with moderate to high levels of organic matter. The soil must retain moisture but must not be waterlogged. Sandy loam and clay loam soils are best suited for this plant. Additionally, the soil should be rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.

Cultivation methods:

Brachiaria schoenfelderi generally grows well in warm and humid climates. It prefers drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Planting can be done either by broadcasting or using a seed drill. It can also be propagated by stem cuttings.

Watering needs:

Although Brachiaria schoenfelderi is drought-tolerant, it requires regular watering during the establishment period. Once it is well established, it can withstand dry conditions. It is important to ensure that the soil has proper drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can negatively impact the plant's growth.

Fertilization:

To ensure maximum growth and yield, Brachiaria schoenfelderi requires proper fertilization. It responds well to nitrogen-based fertilizers, but it is important to follow the recommended dosage to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to weed infestations.

Pruning:

Brachiaria schoenfelderi requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning can be done by cutting off the top 1/3 of the plant's height, preferably after the flowering period. This will encourage lateral growth and increase yield.

Propagation of Brachiaria schoenfelderi

Brachiaria schoenfelderi is propagated either by seeds or by vegetative means.

Propagation by seeds

Seeds of Brachiaria schoenfelderi can be collected from the mature plants during the dry season. The seeds can be directly sown on the seedbed or in containers filled with loamy soil. Seed germination takes place within 10-14 days.

Propagation by vegetative means

Vegetative propagation of Brachiaria schoenfelderi can be through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be approximately 20 cm in length and should be obtained from the mature plants during the vegetative phase. The cuttings can be treated with rooting hormones, planted in a mixture of soil and sand, and covered with a plastic sheet or placed in a greenhouse to provide humid conditions. The cuttings usually form roots within 3-4 weeks after planting.

Another vegetative propagation method is through division of mature plants. The mature plants are lifted and divided into smaller clumps, each with a few roots and stems. The clumps can then be replanted in a nursery bed or directly in the field.

Disease Management

Brachiaria schoenfelderi is generally resistant to common plant diseases but can still succumb to certain fungal infections, such as anthracnose and leaf spot disease.

To manage fungal infections, it is essential to maintain proper plant hygiene by pruning infected leaves and stems promptly, removing any plant debris from the vicinity, and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides such as copper-based sprays can also be used to control the spread of the disease.

Pest Management

The primary pest that affects Brachiaria schoenfelderi is the spittlebug, which infests the plant's foliage and stems, causing wilting and discoloration. These pests produce protective foam, which makes it difficult to detect them.

To manage spittlebugs, regular monitoring and early detection are crucial. Physically removing them by hand or by spraying with water can be effective in getting rid of them. Additionally, insecticides such as neem oil and pyrethrin can be applied as a preventive measure.

Another pest that may attack Brachiaria schoenfelderi is the brachiaria caterpillar, which feeds on the plant's leaves in large numbers, causing significant defoliation. The use of chemical pesticides should be a last resort as it can harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Therefore, handpicking the caterpillars and introducing natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps can be an effective management strategy.