Overview of Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. var. tweedyi Scribn. ex Beal
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. var. tweedyi Scribn. ex Beal, also known as Tweedy's brome or Pumpelly's brome, is a species of grass in the Poaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found growing in areas such as grasslands and prairies, often in rocky or sandy soil. The plant can be identified by its long, slender leaves and distinctive seed heads.
General Appearance
Tweedy's brome is a perennial grass that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The plant has long, narrow leaves and a stem covered in fine hairs. The seed heads are slender with branches that spread outwards. The seeds themselves have a distinctive shape, with a long awn (bristle) that is often twisted.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as Tweedy's brome or Pumpelly's brome, named after the botanist John K. Tweedy and geologist Raphael Pumpelly.
Uses
The seeds of this plant are known to be eaten by various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Additionally, it is often used as a forage crop for livestock in areas such as Montana. However, its invasive tendencies can cause a decrease in the local biodiversity and reduce the productivity of grazing land.
Overall, this native grass is an important component of grassland and prairie ecosystems.
Light Requirements
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. var. tweedyi Scribn. ex Beal is a plant that requires full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant should be placed in an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. If the plant is not receiving enough sunlight, it can become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but the optimal temperature for growth is between 60°F to 80°F (15.5°C to 26.5°C). Temperatures above 90°F can cause the plant to wilt and die. If the temperature drops below 50°F, the plant may become dormant.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil with good organic matter content. The soil should have a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can grow in various types of soils, but it prefers sandy loam or loam soils. The plant do not grow well in soils that retain water for extended periods. Overly compacted or heavy soils should be avoided.
Cultivation Methods
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. var. tweedyi Scribn. ex Beal, commonly known as Tweedy's bromegrass, is a perennial grass species native to North America. It typically grows in open woods and meadows, and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. For optimal cultivation, it should be planted in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
The optimal time to plant Tweedy's bromegrass is in the fall, or early spring. The grass should be planted at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch. It is recommended to plant at a rate of 6 to 8 pounds of seed per acre, and to provide adequate moisture during establishment.
Watering Needs
Tweedy's bromegrass requires regular watering, particularly during periods of drought. It is important to provide consistent moisture, but not to overwater, as this can lead to disease and root rot. The specific watering schedule will depend on the climate and soil type in which the grass is grown.
In general, 1 to 2 inches of water per week is sufficient for Tweedy's bromegrass. However, during periods of extreme heat or drought, additional watering may be necessary. It is important to water deeply, allowing the water to penetrate to the root zone, rather than providing shallow, frequent watering.
Fertilization
Tweedy's bromegrass responds well to fertilization, particularly with nitrogen. The amount and timing of fertilizer application will depend on soil fertility and other environmental factors. In general, it is recommended to apply 50 to 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre annually, split into two or three applications throughout the growing season.
In addition to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium may also be necessary for optimal growth. Soil tests can help determine which nutrients are lacking in the soil, and how much to apply.
Pruning
Tweedy's bromegrass requires little pruning, other than occasional mowing or grazing to maintain a desired height and prevent seed production. If seed production is desired, the grass can be allowed to mature and produce seed heads, which can then be harvested for planting or other uses. However, seed harvesting may reduce subsequent yields.
In general, Tweedy's bromegrass should be mowed or grazed to a height of 4 to 6 inches, depending on the specific cultivar and intended use. Mowing should be done when the grass has reached a height of 8 to 12 inches, and should remove no more than one-third of the total height at each mowing.
Propagation of Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. var. tweedyi Scribn. ex Beal
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. var. tweedyi Scribn. ex Beal, commonly known as Pumpell's brome or Tweedy's brome, is a perennial grass species native to the western United States. This plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and prefers to grow in dry, open areas such as sagebrush communities, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and mountains.
Propagation of Pumpell’s brome can be done through seeds and stem cuttings. However, seed propagation is the easiest and the most common method used.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Pumpell's brome can be bought or collected from mature plants during the fall season when the seed heads have become dry and brown. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until ready for use.
Before sowing, the seeds need to be stratified. Stratification is the process of exposing the seeds to cold temperatures and moisture to simulate winter conditions. This can be done by placing the seeds in a paper bag or container with a moist medium such as peat moss or vermiculite and storing it in the refrigerator for a period of 4 to 6 weeks.
Once stratified, the seeds can be sown in a seed tray filled with a well-draining soil mixture. The seeds should be sown thinly and covered lightly with soil. The tray should be kept in a warm and bright location until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 2 to 4 weeks.
After germination, the seedlings should be thinned out and transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground. It is important to water the seedlings regularly and to protect them from extreme temperatures and pests.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Pumpell's brome through stem cuttings is also possible but requires more effort and expertise. This method involves taking stem cuttings from mature plants and planting them in a rooting hormone mixture. The cuttings need to be kept in a warm and humid environment until roots have formed. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. var. tweedyi Scribn. ex Beal can be vulnerable to various diseases. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is powdery mildew.
Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus that grows on the surface of the plant, producing a powdery, white substance. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plant foliage dry by avoiding overhead irrigation and spacing plants to improve air circulation. Fungicides may also be used to prevent powdery mildew, but they should be applied at the first sign of infection.
Another disease that can affect Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. var. tweedyi Scribn. ex Beal is rust. Rust appears as yellow/brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To prevent rust, it is important to keep the plant foliage dry and remove any infected leaves as soon as possible. Fungicides may also be used to control rust.
Pest Management
Several pests can damage Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. var. tweedyi Scribn. ex Beal. Grasshoppers and aphids are the most common pests that can affect this plant.
Grasshoppers can cause significant damage to the plant by devouring the foliage. To manage grasshoppers, it is important to remove tall grass near the affected plants and use organic sprays to repel the insects. Applying sticky bands around the base of the plant can also prevent grasshoppers from climbing the plant.
Aphids can also be a problem for this plant. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and wilting. To control aphids, it is important to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to interfere with their feeding and reproduction. It is also important to remove any infected leaves and avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
