Overview
Brachiaria stigmatisata (Mez) Stapf is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. This species is native to South America and Brazil and was introduced to other countries for forage use. It has common names such as signal brachiaria, Brachiaria signal grass, and big signal grass.
Description
The plant height of Brachiaria stigmatisata (Mez) Stapf varies from 30 to 110 cm. This species is a tufted and robust grass that establishes from seeds or can spread through rhizomes. The leaves are glabrous or pubescent, with a rough texture and lanceolate shape. The inflorescences have a panicle shape with primary and secondary branches.
Uses
Brachiaria stigmatisata (Mez) Stapf is commonly used as a forage grass for livestock in tropical and subtropical areas. It is considered among the most productive and palatable grasses, mainly used for grazing and hay making. Besides its forage value, Brachiaria stigmatisata (Mez) Stapf is used as erosion control and a cover crop in crop-livestock systems.
Cultivation
Brachiaria stigmatisata (Mez) Stapf grows best in fertile, well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. This species requires rainfall above 800 mm per year and can tolerate drought periods. It presents good adaptation to lowland and upland regions with temperatures of 20°C to 35°C. Brachiaria stigmatisata (Mez) Stapf should be fertilized with potassium and phosphorous according to the soil analysis, and adjusted nitrogen fertilization to avoid the accumulation of nitrogenous compounds in the plants.
Conclusion
Brachiaria stigmatisata (Mez) Stapf is a robust and productive forage grass that can be found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It has a high palatability and digestibility, making it a valuable resource for livestock production. Moreover, this species also has advantages for soil conservation and crop-livestock systems.
Light Requirements
The plant Brachiaria stigmatisata (Mez) Stapf requires full sunlight for healthy growth and development. Partial shade or low light conditions may slow down the plant's growth and affect the overall quality of the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in an area where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Brachiaria stigmatisata requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). The plant may not survive in areas with extreme cold temperatures or frost, and it is recommended to protect the plant from freezing during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The plant Brachiaria stigmatisata grows best in fertile, well-draining soil. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. It is recommended to add organic matter such as compost or leaf litter to improve soil fertility and structure. Additionally, it is essential to avoid waterlogging and ensure proper drainage to prevent the roots from rotting.
Cultivation methods
Brachiaria stigmatisata is a warm-season grass that requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The plant thrives in full sun exposure and requires adequate space to spread. Cultivate the soil by removing all weeds and rocks before planting. Sow the seeds with a seed drill machine or broadcast them by hand. For better seed germination, water the seeded area well and cover it with a thin layer of soil. The seeds usually take 10-15 days to germinate.
Watering needs
Brachiaria stigmatisata needs regular watering, especially during the establishment stage. Water the plants twice a week for the first three months to ensure deep root development. After this period, reduce the watering frequency to once a week. The plant is highly drought-resistant, but it thrives with regular watering.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Brachiaria stigmatisata plant with a balanced fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer at the rate of 50 kg/ha after 30 days of planting and again after 60 days. The plant requires periodic fertilization, generally every three months, to keep it healthy.
Pruning
Pruning the Brachiaria stigmatisata plant is essential to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming invasive. Prune the plant every six months by cutting back the stems to a height of 10-15 cm above the ground. Pruning also helps the plant to grow thicker and stronger. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to prevent pests and diseases from attacking the plant.
Propagation of Brachiaria stigmatisata
Propagation of Brachiaria stigmatisata can be done in several ways, including through seeds, vegetative parts such as stem cuttings and root segments, or tissue culture.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common method of propagation for Brachiaria stigmatisata is through seeds. The seeds are small, and about 2-3 kg of seeds can plant one hectare of land. The seeds can be directly sowed in the field or in nurseries. Sowing in nurseries first can help seedlings develop to a certain size before transplanting to the field.
Propagation through Vegetative Parts
Propagation through vegetative parts can be done by taking stem cuttings or root segments. Stem cuttings are harvested from matured and healthy plants, and they are about 10-15 cm in length. The cuttings are planted in the soil such that 2-3 nodes are below the ground. The root segments are taken from the lateral roots of the parent plant, and each segment should be about 5-10 cm long. They are planted horizontally in the soil, with the top part of the segment just about 2-3 cm below the ground.
Propagation through Tissue Culture
Propagation through tissue culture is a more advanced method and requires laboratory conditions. It involves the use of plant material to initiate a culture on a sterile nutrient medium. From there, the plant material is induced to form new plants by dividing and differentiating into various tissues. Tissue culture is a useful method for rapidly propagating large numbers of disease-free plantlets.
Disease Management
Brachiaria stigmatisata is susceptible to various diseases, including rust, smut, and leaf spot. To manage these diseases, it is crucial to choose disease-free planting materials and follow proper crop management practices.
Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or brown rust pustules to appear on leaves. To manage rust, remove and destroy severely affected plants, apply fungicides, and ensure adequate airflow and ventilation to reduce humidity levels in the field.
Smut is another fungal disease that causes black spore masses to form on leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth and yield reduction. To manage smut, plant resistant varieties, remove and destroy affected plant parts, and manage weeds that serve as hosts for the disease.
Leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora sp., results in the development of small, yellow or brown spots on leaves. Infected leaves eventually die and fall off, leading to yield loss. To manage leaf spot, avoid overhead irrigation, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Brachiaria stigmatisata can also be attacked by various pests, including grasshoppers, cutworms, and aphids. To manage these pests, it is essential to adopt an integrated pest management approach that involves cultural, biological, and chemical strategies.
Grasshoppers and cutworms are common pests that feed on the leaves and stems of Brachiaria stigmatisata, leading to yield loss. To manage these pests, plow fields after harvest, use pheromone traps, and apply biological control agents like parasitic wasps and predators like birds and spiders.
Aphids are sucking insects that feed on plant sap, leading to distorted growth and reduced yield. To manage aphids, use resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, and apply sticky barriers to prevent migrating aphids from infesting the plants. Additionally, release biological control agents like ladybugs and lacewings.
