Overview of Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss.
Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is commonly referred to as stoloniferous signal grass, creeping signal grass, or creeping brachiaria. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions in South America, and it is widely cultivated in various regions around the world for its excellent forage properties.
Appearance of Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss.
The plant has a creeping growth habit, with stolons or runners that root at nodes and reach up to 2 meters in length. Its leaves are flat, narrow, and pointed, with a shiny surface and a yellowish-green color. The inflorescence is a panicle that measures up to 15 cm in length and contains spikelets with a brownish color.
Uses of Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss.
Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. is primarily used as a forage crop for livestock, particularly for grazing and hay production. It is favored for its high yield, high nutritional value, and tolerance to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. The plant is also used for erosion control, green manure, and as a cover crop in intercropping systems. Furthermore, studies have shown that Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. has allelopathic properties that can suppress weed growth, making it a potentially useful crop in weed management.
Growing Conditions for Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss.
Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. has noteworthy qualities that make it a great crop for livestock feed and as a ground cover for soil and water conservation. Although it is considered a hardy plant, certain growing conditions should be met to enhance its growth rate.
Light Requirements
Brachiaria stolonifera requires full sun to grow optimally. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to perform photosynthesis, which is essential for plant growth. It should be grown in an open space where there are no shades, trees, or other plants that can block out the sunlight. Insufficient lighting will cause weak growth, low yields, disease susceptibility, and poor predation resistance.
Temperature Requirements
Brachiaria stolonifera thrives in warm environments, and its ideal temperature range is between 20°C to 30°C. It can, however, tolerate a wide range of temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 35°C. The plant can survive and tolerate short-term frost and drought conditions. High temperatures, coupled with adequate moisture, increase plant growth rates, while low temperatures, coupled with moisture stress, negatively affect plant growth.
Soil Requirements
Brachiaria stolonifera will grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy loam, clay loam, and medium-textured soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils with good fertility levels and a pH range of 4.5 to 7.0. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. It is recommendable to carry out a soil test and incorporate the required amendments before planting to obtain optimum yields.
Furthermore, Brachiaria stolonifera has a high tolerance for acid soils, high aluminum concentrations, and low phosphorous concentration, making it an effective soil amendment for degraded and acidic soils.
Cultivation methods
Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. thrives well in a range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and red lateritic soils. The plant prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic and high in organic matter. It also does well in areas with an annual rainfall of 1000-2000 mm.
Propagation of Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. can be done through seeds or vegetative parts like stem cuttings. When planting, it's advisable to space the plants at least 30 cm apart. The seedlings require enough light to grow well, so it's vital to remove weed competition.
Watering needs
Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. requires adequate water to grow healthy and produce high yields. For optimal growth, irrigate the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering, as it may lead to waterlogging and root rot. It is essential to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first two months after planting.
Fertilization
Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. is a heavy feeder, and it requires regular fertilizer application to produce the desired yield. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the essential nutrients for the plant. Apply Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) fertilizer in a ratio of 2:1:1. Also, apply organic fertilizers such as compost at the base of the plants to enhance soil fertility and improve soil structure and aeration.
Pruning
To maintain the quality and yield of Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss., regular pruning is necessary. Prune the plants back by at least one-third of their height and spread. This will encourage tillering and vigorous growth. It is also essential to remove dead or diseased leaves, stems, and branches to prevent fungal diseases and pests from establishing themselves on the plants.
Propagation of Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss.
Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. through seeds has been reported to achieve varying degrees of success. Optimum germination for Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. is around 30°C. The seed rate of Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. is around 3-5 kg per hectare, and seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1cm in rows spaced at 50cm intervals. Seedlings should emerge in 10-14 days and ready for transplanting in 6-8 weeks.
Stolon Propagation
Propagation through stolons can be an easy and cost-effective method. The stolons are cut into 10-15 cm long pieces and planted horizontally just beneath the soil surface, watered adequately, and weed controlled. The planting distance is usually 50cm x 50cm and gives rise to new independent plants that quickly expand to cover the area.
Tissue culture Propagation
In vitro propagation of Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. through axillary shoot proliferation could be an efficient propagation method to supply a large number of clones. This method of propagation can also help maintain the genetic stability of the species.
In conclusion, Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. can be propagated in a variety of ways, making it a versatile plant for agricultural purposes.
Disease Management
Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. is subjected to various diseases that can affect growth, productivity, and ultimately yield loss. The following are some common diseases and management strategies:
Red leaf spot
This fungal disease infects the foliage of the plant, producing circular, reddish patches. The disease can cause leaf yellowing, wilting, defoliation, and in severe cases, death of the plant. The management of the disease can involve the following practices:
- Destroying infected plant debris and residues around the farm
- Applying a fungicide at the first sign of the disease
- Planting disease-resistant varieties
- Improving air circulation in the field through proper spacing
Leaf smut
This fungal disease infects the leaves, stems, and panicles of Brachiaria stolonifera. Symptoms include dark, elongated lesions on the leaves and blackening of the stems. The management of the disease can involve the following practices:
- Planting certified disease-free seeds
- Removing infected plant debris and burning them
- Applying a fungicide as soon as symptoms appear
- Rotating the crop with non-host crops
Pest Management
Brachiaria stolonifera Gooss. is also subjected to pest attacks that can reduce yield. The following are some common pests and management strategies:
Armyworms
The armyworm is a common pest that feeds on the foliage of Brachiaria stolonifera. The pest can cause significant yield loss if not controlled. The management of the pest can involve the following practices:
- Application of insecticides at the first sign of infestation
- Manual removal of larvae and treatment with a biopesticide
- Use of pheromone traps to monitor the presence of the pest
Cutworms
Cutworms are nocturnal pests that feed on the stems of the plant, and if not managed, can cause a complete loss of plant stand. The management of the pest can involve the following practices:
- Application of insecticides at the first sign of infestation
- Planting at the right time to avoid the pest's peak breeding season
- Use of physical barriers like collars or nets to keep the pests away from the plant
- Encouraging natural predators like birds that feed on the cutworms
