Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc.
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. is a cool-season grass species that is native to North America. Commonly known as Pumpelling brome, it is a long-lived perennial grass that can grow up to 4 feet tall and can spread with underground rhizomes.
Appearance
Pumpelling brome has a dense, fibrous root system that allows it to adapt to a variety of soil types. The plant produces flat and broad leaves which are smooth on both surfaces, and it bears cylindrical seed heads which are up to 6 inches long.
Uses
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. can be used for forage, hay, or silage. It is commonly used in commercial grass seed mixes and is a popular option for sports fields and home lawns due to its tolerance to drought and traffic.
hereLight Requirements
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. typically grows in areas receiving full sun exposure. This species can tolerate partial shade, but full sun exposure is preferred for optimal growth and productivity.
Temperature Requirements
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. is a cool-season grass and can tolerate cold temperatures. It can grow in areas that receive snow during winter, and spring seasons. However, it cannot tolerate high temperatures of summer months and can only grow up to a certain temperature limit. During summer months, it can become dormant or die back and re-sprout during cooler conditions.
Soil Requirements
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. prefers soils that are rich in nutrients with a pH range of 6.5- 7.5. This species can tolerate a wide range of soil textures from sandy to clay loams, but it prefers well-draining soils. It cannot tolerate areas with poor drainage, and waterlogging can cause it to decline or die. This species is also adapted to soils with moderate salinity levels; however, it may become salinity-sensitive if the levels increase further.
Cultivation Methods
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. is a cool-season grass and can be easily grown in various soil types, including clay, sand, loam and even saline soils. This plant requires full sun exposure and can adapt to pH levels from acidic to alkaline. It is also a tolerant plant and can handle both extreme dry and wet conditions.
Watering Needs
While Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. is tolerant to extreme weather conditions, it still requires an adequate amount of watering. To maintain the plant's health, watering should be done during the growing season, especially in the absence of rain. However, waterlogging should be avoided as the plant's roots can easily be infected by diseases.
Fertilization
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. needs sufficient fertilization to maintain its growth and vigor. Fertilization should be done at the beginning of the growing season using nitrogen-based fertilizer, as this promotes better grass growth and development. For best results, fertilization should be done when the soil is moist, which aids in nutrient uptake by the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc., as it is a grass that grows naturally, however, to maintain an attractive appearance, mowing can be done periodically to control the height of the grass. Mowing should be done during the growing season by cutting the grass blades to a height of 2-4 inches. This helps to promote fresh and healthy growth.
Propagation of Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc.
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc., commonly known as smooth brome, produces seeds that are dispersed through wind and animal movement. This plant can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as rhizome and stolon fragmentation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors and transplanted outside. The best time to plant the seeds is in the spring or fall, depending on the climate and location. The seeds should be planted at a shallow depth and kept moist until germination.
Vegitative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of smooth brome can be achieved through rhizome or stolon fragmentation. Rhizome fragmentation involves cutting the rhizome into sections and planting them in moist soil. Stolon fragmentation involves propagating the plant through its above-ground stems or runners that grow horizontally across the ground. These can be pinned to the soil with a U-shaped wire and left until roots have developed. Once roots have formed, the stems can be cut and planted in the desired location.
Successful propagation of smooth brome can result in a useful plant for erosion control, forage, and as a component of wildlife habitat.
Disease and Pest Management for Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc.
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon var. pumpellianus (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. is generally a hardy plant and can resist many diseases and pests. However, like any plant, it is still susceptible to certain issues that can hinder its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect B. inermis is rust. This fungal disease can cause yellowish-orange pustules on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage rust, it is important to practice good sanitation by removing and destroying infected plant material. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect B. inermis is root rot. This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that attack the roots of the plant, leading to yellowing, wilting, and eventual death. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering and to maintain good soil drainage. Fungicides can also be used to treat the disease.
Common Pests
The most common pests that can affect B. inermis are grasshoppers and aphids. Grasshoppers can chew through the plants, leading to significant damage and reduced yield. To manage grasshoppers, it is important to use insecticides and to remove areas of tall grass and weeds where they may thrive.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to deform and turn yellow. To manage aphids, it is important to use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Other biological control options include introducing predators like ladybugs or lacewings to the area.
In conclusion, while B. inermis is generally a hardy plant, it is important to be aware of the potential diseases and pests that can affect it. Good sanitation, proper watering and drainage, and the use of insecticides and fungicides can go a long way in managing these issues and ensuring a healthy and productive crop.
