Origin
Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear, commonly known as Porter's brome, is a mat-forming perennial grass that is native to western North America, including California, Oregon, and Nevada.
Common Names
Aside from Porter's brome, other common names for this plant include woolly-foot brome and woolly-footed grass.
Uses
Porter's brome is mainly used for soil stabilization, particularly in disturbed areas such as roadsides and overgrazed rangelands. It is also utilized in erosion control and has been found to be effective in reducing soil erosion in steep slopes and gullies. Furthermore, Porter's brome is useful in re-vegetation efforts, as it is able to rapidly establish in disturbed areas and readily adapts to a variety of soils and climates.
General Appearance
Porter's brome has a prostrate or mat-forming growth habit, with its stems and branches growing up to 35 centimeters in length. The leaves are narrow and bluish-green in color, with short hairs on the upper surface and longer hairs on the lower surface. The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle that is up to 10 centimeters long and bears numerous small, pale green flowers that turn to a light tan or yellow-brown as they mature. The seeds of Porter's brome are small and have a twisted awn that aids in their dispersal by wind.
Light Requirements
Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear prefers full to partial sun exposure. The plant can grow in areas with shade, but its growth will be slower and less vigorous than those in the full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zone 6a to 10b. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from low to high, but it prefers temperatures between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear cannot survive in extreme heat, drought, and cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear can grow in any well-drained soil types, including loam, sand, or clay. Soil pH levels ranging from 6.0-8.0 are suitable for this plant to thrive. However, the plant prefers moist and well-drained soils rich in nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote its growth.
Cultivation Methods
Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear is a drought-resistant grass that is mainly grown for its ornamental value. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline. The plant is propagated by seeds, and it is recommended to plant them in the fall or early spring. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and press them down gently. Water the area lightly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs
Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear needs moderate watering when grown in well-drained soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases. To maintain the right level of moisture for the plant, it is recommended to water it once a week in the absence of rain. During hot and dry seasons, you can water the plant twice a week. However, you should avoid watering the plant during winter when it is dormant.
Fertilization
Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear is a low-maintenance plant, and it does not require much fertilization. However, you can fertilize the plant twice a year; in early spring and early fall. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK concentration of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Follow the instructions on the package and apply the fertilizer evenly on the soil. Water the plant lightly after applying the fertilizer.
Pruning
Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear is a non-invasive grass that does not require regular pruning. However, you can prune the plant once a year to remove the dead stems and leaves. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Use pruning shears to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. Dispose of the cuttings properly to avoid the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear
Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear, commonly known as Porter's brome, is a species of grass native to North America. Propagation of this species can be done through various methods including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest way to propagate Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear. The seeds should be collected from healthy plants during the seed development stage. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until it is time for planting. In the fall, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in seed trays. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and watered regularly. The plants will grow and be ready for transplantation in the following spring.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done through rhizomes, stolons, or tillers. This method is more complex compared to seed propagation. Rhizomes are underground stems that can produce new shoots and roots. Stolons are horizontally growing stems that produce new roots and shoots at the nodes. Tillers are new shoots that emerge from the base of the parent plant.
To propagate through rhizomes or stolons, a section of the stem that has nodes must be buried in the soil. The nodes will produce new roots and shoots, giving rise to a new plant. Propagation through tillers is done by digging up the parent plant and carefully separating the tillers from the parent plant. The tillers can now be planted in a new location to establish a new plant.
Disease Management
Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear is susceptible to a range of fungal and viral diseases that can affect its overall health and productivity. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Leaf Rust
Leaf rust is a fungal disease that can cause yellow to red-brown spots on leaves, leading to premature defoliation and stunted growth. To manage this disease, use rust-resistant cultivars and ensure proper spacing and ventilation to reduce humidity levels. Fungicide applications can also be effective.
Common Root Rot
Common root rot is caused by various fungal genera and can reduce the plant's root system and lead to yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage this disease, rotate crops, avoid excess soil moisture and soil compaction. Fungicides can be helpful on heavily infected plants.
Viral Diseases
Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear is susceptible to a range of viral diseases that can cause mosaic patterns on leaves, yellowing, browning, and stunted growth. Infected plants need to be removed immediately and burned to avoid further spread. Sanitation practices, such as avoiding contaminated tools, and insect control can help prevent the spread of viral diseases.
Pest Management
Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear can also fall prey to a number of insect pests that can damage roots, stems, or leaves. Here are a few common pests and how to manage them:
Armyworms
Armyworms are caterpillars that can damage crops by eating through the leaves and stem of the plant. To manage this pest, use traps to monitor populations, till the soil after harvesting to expose overwintering larvae, and apply insecticides according to guidelines.
Wireworms
Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles and are common in soil that has recently been converted from grassland to crops. Wireworms can damage roots by feeding on them. To manage this pest, rotate crops and use chemical insecticides soil drenches.
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers can be a major pest, especially in dryland regions. They feed on foliage and can transmit viruses to the plant. To manage this pest, use traps and barriers to monitor and exclude populations, apply insecticides, or introduce biological controls such as parasitic wasps and bugs.
By being vigilant and taking preventative measures, it is possible to manage disease and pest issues that can affect the health and productivity of Bromus porteri (Coult.) Nash var. lanatipes Shear.
