Overview
Bromus dertonensis All., commonly known as Derton brome, is a perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to North America.Appearance
Derton brome grows up to 1.2 meters tall and has a clumping growth habit. The stems are upright and cylindrical, and the leaves are up to 30 cm long and 1 cm wide. The leaf blades are flat, with a rough texture, and have pointed tips. The inflorescence is a large panicle, up to 30 cm long, with spreading or drooping branches. The flowers are greenish-yellow and have hairy awns that are 1-2 cm long.Uses
Derton brome is used as a forage crop for livestock, as it is a palatable grass that has good nutritional value. It is also commonly used for erosion control, reclamation of disturbed sites, and as a ground cover in landscaping. Additionally, it is sometimes used in ceremonial practices of Indigenous peoples.Common Names
Derton brome is commonly known by other names, including smooth brome, Hungarian brome, soft brome, and downy brome.Light Requirements
Bromus dertonensis All. requires full sun exposure or partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate shade, but growth will be slower and overall plant health may be affected.
Temperature Requirements
Bromus dertonensis All. is a cool-season grass and grows best in temperatures ranging from 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit. In areas with hot summers, it may experience heat stress and reduced growth. The plant can tolerate frost and temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Bromus dertonensis All. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. The plant does not thrive in compacted soils or soils with poor drainage. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is 6.0-7.5.
Cultivation Methods for Bromus dertonensis All.
Bromus dertonensis All. is a drought-tolerant plant that grows best in areas with full sun exposure. It can be grown in a wide range of soil types, but soil that is well-drained and fertile is ideal. The plant can be propagated through seed germination or by transplanting seedlings.
Watering Needs for Bromus dertonensis All.
While Bromus dertonensis All. is drought tolerant, it still requires regular watering to ensure it has proper moisture for growth. The plant needs to be watered deeply once a week or more frequently during hot, dry weather. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization for Bromus dertonensis All.
Fertilizing Bromus dertonensis All. is not necessary as it can thrive in poor soils. However, if the plant is growing in soil that is lacking in nutrients, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring. The fertilizer should be worked into the top layer of soil around the base of the plant. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause the plant to produce excess foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning Bromus dertonensis All.
Bromus dertonensis All. does not require regular pruning. However, if the plant becomes leggy or sparse, you can trim it back in the spring to encourage bushier growth. When pruning, remove only the tips of the stems and avoid cutting back into old, woody growth. You can also deadhead spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce new blooms.
Propagation of Bromus dertonensis All.
Bromus dertonensis All., commonly known as dewey brome or Derton brome, is a cool-season grass that is native to North America. It is a popular choice for grazing and erosion control, and its propagation methods are relatively simple.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Bromus dertonensis All. is through seeds. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil in either the fall or spring. If the seeds are planted in the fall, they will germinate in the spring. If the seeds are planted in the spring, they will germinate and establish themselves throughout the growing season.
Before sowing the seeds, it is important to prepare the soil by clearing out any weeds or debris. The soil should be worked to a depth of about 6 inches to allow for the seeds to take root. Once the soil is prepared, the seeds can be sown by scattering them evenly across the soil surface. After sowing, the seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
It is important to keep the soil consistently moist during the germination and establishment period. Once the plants are established, they will require less water.
Transplanting
Bromus dertonensis All. can also be propagated through transplanting. This method is useful if you have an existing plant and want to create more plants. To propagate through transplanting, you will need to dig up the existing plant and carefully divide the rootball into several smaller pieces.
Each division should have healthy roots and several shoots. The divisions can then be planted in a new location, following the same preparation and planting instructions as for seed propagation.
Overall, the propagation of Bromus dertonensis All. is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through either seed propagation or transplanting. With proper care and attention, the plants will establish themselves quickly, providing a valuable resource for grazing and erosion control.
Disease and Pest Management for Bromus Dertonensis All.
Bromus dertonensis, commonly known as smooth brome or cheat grass, is a perennial grass species commonly grown for forage and erosion control. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
Stripe Rust: This fungal disease can cause significant damage to smooth brome, leading to poor yield and quality. To manage stripe rust, growers can use resistant varieties, apply fungicides, ensure adequate irrigation, and avoid over-fertilization.
Crown Rust: Crown rust can affect smooth brome during the late summer months, causing orange pustules to form on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage crown rust, growers can apply fungicides and ensure that the crop is adequately irrigated and fertilized.
Fusarium Blight: This fungal disease can cause wilting and death of smooth brome. To manage fusarium blight, growers can plant resistant varieties, ensure good soil drainage, and rotate with non-host crops.
Pests
Armyworms: These pests can cause significant damage to smooth brome, feeding on the leaves and stems, and affecting the overall yield and quality of the crop. To manage armyworms, growers can monitor fields regularly and apply insecticides when populations reach economic thresholds.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can cause damage to smooth brome, and severe infestations can lead to complete defoliation of the plants. To manage grasshoppers, growers can use pest-resistant varieties, apply insecticides, and ensure that the crop is adequately irrigated and fertilized.
Wireworms: Wireworms can also cause significant damage to smooth brome, feeding on the roots of the plant. To manage wireworms, growers can rotate crops, practice deep tillage to expose wireworm larvae to sunlight, and apply insecticides if necessary.
Implementing integrated pest management practices and following proper crop management techniques can help to minimize disease and pest pressure in smooth brome crops.
