Overview
Brachiaria subquadripara (Trin.) Hitchc. is a species of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is commonly known as mulato grass or mulato II, and it is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. This grass is widely cultivated for pasture and forage purposes, particularly in the Americas, and it is also used for erosion control and reclamation of degraded areas.
Description
Brachiaria subquadripara is a perennial, tufted grass that can reach up to one meter in height. The stem is cylindrical and hairy, and it can be erect or ascending. The leaves are abundant, linear, and smooth with a sheath that is also hairy. The inflorescence is a panicle with spikelets that are flattened and arranged in pairs. The flowers are hermaphrodite, and the fruit is a caryopsis enclosed in a lemma and palea.
Uses
Brachiaria subquadripara is primarily used as a pasture and forage grass, particularly for cattle, sheep, and goats. It is highly palatable and contains significant levels of crude protein, fiber, and other nutrients that are essential for livestock. Additionally, it has been used for reclamation of degraded areas, erosion control, and cover crops due to its ability to adapt to adverse soil and climatic conditions.
General Appearance
Brachiaria subquadripara is a densely tufted grass with numerous stems and leaves. The plant has a somewhat wiry appearance due to the stiff and thin leaves, which are typically green or slightly yellowish. The inflorescence is a panicle formed by numerous pairs of flattened spikelets with a creamy or light green color. The seeds are small and enclosed in a thin and rigid covering.
Light Requirements
Brachiaria subquadripara grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20-35°C (68-95°F). It can tolerate occasional frosts, but extended periods of extreme cold can damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Brachiaria subquadripara prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils, but thrives best in fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. Additionally, the plant can tolerate periodically wet soils but cannot withstand waterlogged conditions for very long.
Cultivation of Brachiaria subquadripara
Brachiaria subquadripara is easy to grow in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The plant is tolerant of drought and low-fertility soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for areas where water is scarce.
The ideal time to plant Brachiaria subquadripara is at the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds can be directly planted in the soil or transplanted seedlings can also be used. The spacing between plants should be about 30 cm to allow for proper growth and development.
Watering Needs
Brachiaria subquadripara requires regular watering to grow and thrive. Irrigation should be done once a week, especially during the dry season. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot. The amount of water needed will depend on the climate and soil type.
Fertilization
Brachiaria subquadripara requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and vitality. The plant responds well to nitrogen-rich fertilizers, and application should be done about two months after planting. Fertilization should be done every six months, and the amount used should vary depending on the soil fertility levels.
It is advisable to carry out a soil test to determine the soil's nutrient levels before applying fertilizer. This will prevent over-fertilization, which can lead to environmental damage and the plant's poor growth.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in maintaining the plant's growth and health. It is advisable to carry out pruning after the first six to eight weeks of planting. This promotes the growth of new shoots and branches, leading to increased-yield and quality of forage.
Pruning should be done when the plant reaches a height of about 20 cm. It is recommended to cut the plant a few centimeters above the soil line to balance the plant's height and promote new growth from the base.
Regular pruning should be done every 60 to 90 days or when the plant reaches a height of about 50 cm. This will prevent the plant from becoming too woody, resulting in poor forage quality.
Propagation of Brachiaria subquadripara
Brachiaria subquadripara can be propagated using both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The seeds of Brachiaria subquadripara can be collected from mature plants and used for propagation. The seeds should be sown in a well-prepared seedbed with good drainage. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination. Germination typically occurs within 5-14 days. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field once they have developed several true leaves.
Asexual propagation
Brachiaria subquadripara can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, leaving only a few leaves at the tip. The cuttings should be planted in a well-prepared bed with good drainage and kept moist until roots have formed. This typically takes 2-4 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.
Asexual propagation through division can also be used to propagate Brachiaria subquadripara. Mature plants can be divided into smaller sections and replanted. Each section should have a good root system and several shoots. The divided sections should be planted in a well-prepared bed with good drainage and kept moist until roots have formed.
Disease Management for Brachiaria subquadripara
Brachiaria subquadripara is susceptible to various diseases that can affect plant growth and yield. The common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Leaf Rust: This disease can cause leaf spots, yellowing, and defoliation of the plant. It thrives in high humidity conditions, and the most effective management approach is to plant rust-resistant cultivars.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose can cause the plant to wilt, and the leaves may develop brown lesions. The disease spreads through infected plant debris and can be controlled through sanitation practices such as clearing all diseased plant debris from the field to prevent new infections.
- Pyricularia Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes small, round spots on the leaves, and if not controlled, can cause yellowing and defoliation of the plant. Use of fungicides applied at the early stages of the disease can prevent its spread.
Pest Management for Brachiaria subquadripara
Brachiaria subquadripara can also suffer from a variety of pests that can damage the plant and reduce its yield. The common pests that affect this plant include:
- Fall Armyworm: These pests are usually found on the leaves and stems. The most effective management practices are the use of biological control methods such as parasitic wasps and spraying insecticides.
- Cutworms: Cutworms can cause extensive damage to the seedlings, and the most effective management approach is the use of chemical insecticides.
- Termites: Termites can feed on the roots and stems, causing the plant to wilt and die. The most effective management approach for termites is to use biological control methods such as the use of parasitic fungi.
