Origin
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon, commonly known as Pumpelly's brome, is a species of perennial grass native to North America, especially the Great Plains and Western regions. It can also be found in parts of Canada and Mexico.
Common Names
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon is known by several common names such as Smooth brome, Hungarian brome, and Poverty brome.
Uses
The plant is used for forage, hay, turf, and soil conservation purposes. It is a valuable forage crop, commonly grazed by livestock, owing to its high yield and palatability. It is also used for erosion control, soil stabilization, and to prevent soil degradation.
Appearance
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon is a tall, cool-season grass that grows up to four feet tall. It has a dense and extensive root system that allows it to tolerate drought and extreme temperatures. The leaves are flat and can grow up to a foot long. The plant produces flowers from May to July in the form of loose panicles. The seeds are shiny and light brown.
Light Requirements
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not develop as rapidly or produce as many seeds.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, but it typically grows best between 20-30°C. It can handle both hot and cold temperatures, but it may not thrive in extreme conditions.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon is a moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. However, it can also grow well in many different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The pH range that it can tolerate is between 5.5-8.0.
In conclusion, to ensure the optimal growth of Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon, it should be planted in an area with full sun to partial shade, in a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH range between 5.5-8.0. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in temperatures between 20-30°C.
Cultivation Methods
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon, commonly known as smooth brome grass, is a cool-season, perennial grass that can grow up to 4 feet tall. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate a wide range of soils, including acidic, alkaline, and salty. This plant thrives in full sun but can also grow in partially shaded areas. It is best to plant smooth brome grass in the spring or fall when the soil is moist. For optimum growth, plant the seeds at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch and a spacing of about 12 inches.
Watering Needs
Smooth brome grass is relatively drought-tolerant, but it still requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry summer months. It is best to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, so it is crucial to avoid excessive watering.
Fertilization
Smooth brome grass requires regular fertilization to maintain its optimum growth and health. Apply a balanced fertilizer, containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, during the spring and fall. The amount and frequency of application depend on the soil fertility, plant growth, and weather conditions. However, avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to excessive plant growth and weak foliage.
Pruning
Smooth brome grass does not require pruning, but you can mow the grass to a height of about 2-3 inches during the growing season to maintain its shape and prevent the seed heads from forming. However, avoid mowing below the crown of the plant, as it can damage the plant and reduce its growth rate. It is best to remove the dead plant material and debris in the fall to prevent insect and disease infestation.
Propagation of Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon
Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon, also known as the smooth brome grass, is a hardy perennial plant that is widely used in commercial and residential landscaping. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through different methods including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and division.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon through seed is the easiest and most common method. The plant produces seed heads that contain numerous small seeds. The seeds can be collected by cutting the seed heads and storing them in a cool, dry location until needed. The seeds can be planted directly in the soil or in pots indoors. If planting indoors, the seeds should be sown in a soilless mix that is kept moist. The pots should be covered with plastic wrap to keep moisture in until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon involves taking stem cuttings from a healthy parent plant. The cuttings should be approximately 6 inches long and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a soilless mix. The mix should be kept moist and warm until the cuttings have rooted. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon. This involves digging up an established plant and dividing it into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and shoots. The sections can be replanted into the garden or into containers. It is important to keep the new plants moist until they become established.
Disease Management for Bromus Inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon
The plant Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon is susceptible to several diseases. These include:
- Crown rust: Crown rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. Symptoms include yellow and orange pustules on the lower surface of the leaves. It can cause a reduction in the yield of the plant. Crop rotation and selecting rust-resistant varieties are effective management strategies for crown rust.
- Stem rust: Stem rust is also a fungal disease that affects the stems of the plant. Symptoms include reddish-brown spots on the stem and reduced yield. Fungicide treatment and crop rotation are effective management strategies for stem rust.
- Barley yellow dwarf: Barley yellow dwarf is a viral disease that affects the leaves of the plant. Symptoms include yellowing and stunting of the plant. Planting resistant varieties and controlling aphid populations are effective management strategies for barley yellow dwarf.
Pest Management for Bromus Inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon
The plant Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon is also susceptible to several pests. These include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Insecticidal soap is an effective management strategy for aphids.
- Armyworms: Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on the foliage of the plant. They can cause severe defoliation and reduce the yield of the plant. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and insecticides are effective management strategies for armyworms.
- Wireworms: Wireworms are soil-dwelling insects that feed on the roots of the plant. They can cause wilting and reduced growth of the plant. Crop rotation and insecticide treatment are effective management strategies for wireworms.
In conclusion, to manage diseases and pests effectively, it is essential to identify them early and choose an appropriate management strategy. Implementing preventive measures like crop rotation and selecting resistant varieties can also help in reducing the incidence of diseases and pests in the plant Bromus inermis Leyss. ssp. pumpellianus (Scribn.) Wagnon.
