Origin
Bromus secalinus L. var. grossus (Desf. ex DC.) Neilr. is a plant that belongs to the family Poaceae, native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the Bromus genus that includes several species of grasses predominantly used for controlling soil erosion and forage for livestock.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Cheatgrass, Downy Brome, or Drooping Brome, based on the regions where it is found. It is sometimes also referred to as the Military Grass due to its tendency to grow in disturbed and barren areas such as battlefields, trenches, and military training zones.
Uses
Bromus secalinus L. var. grossus has limited uses in agriculture and horticulture owing to its invasive nature and low nutritional value. However, it is used as an ornamental grass in landscaping and is occasionally grown as a green manure crop to improve soil fertility. Additionally, the seeds have a high concentration of mucilage, making them useful in the food industry as a gelling agent and emulsifier.
General Appearance
The plant is an annual grass that grows up to 1 meter tall with long, narrow, and hairy leaves. It bears droopy spikes of seeds that are about 1-2.5cm long and have bent awns. The seeds are green when young, turning beige or brown upon maturity and are the distinguishing characteristic of the plant's appearance. The roots are shallow and fibrous, hence its ability to thrive in harsh and disturbed areas.
Light Requirements
Bromus secalinus L. var. grossus prefers full sun to partial shade exposure for proper growth. It can tolerate some levels of shade but performs best under direct sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant species generally grows well in temperate climates. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth and development is between 10°C to 25°C. It can tolerate some degree of cold weather and frost, but prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures can be detrimental to its growth.
Soil Requirements
Bromus secalinus L. var. grossus can grow in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acid pH balance. It can tolerate some amounts of salinity and drought but grows best in soils that are rich in nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. The plant species can also adapt to different soil textures, including loam, clay, and sand.
Cultivation methods
Bromus secalinus L. var. grossus (Desf. ex DC.) Neilr., commonly known as Brome grass, requires well-drained soil for optimal growth. The plant can be grown in areas with full sun exposure or partial shade but prefers the former. The seeds should be sown directly into the soil in early spring or early fall.
Watering needs
Brome grass needs regular watering for the first few weeks after planting until it has established roots. Afterward, the plant can tolerate dry conditions and only needs watering during extended periods of drought.
Fertilization
Brome grass requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium works well. Apply the fertilizer at the start of the growing season and follow up with another application halfway through the season.
Pruning
Brome grass does not require regular pruning. However, if the plant becomes overgrown or too tall, it can be mowed to a height of 3-4 inches. This should be done in late summer or early fall, just before the onset of frost. Avoid pruning or mowing the plant after the first frost, as this can damage the foliage and leave the plant vulnerable to disease.
Propagation of Bromus secalinus L. var. grossus (Desf. ex DC.) Neilr.
Bromus secalinus L. var. grossus (Desf. ex DC.) Neilr., also known as the Smooth Brome, can reproduce through various methods, including both sexual and asexual propagation.
Sexual Propagation
The Smooth Brome generally reproduces sexually through seed propagation. The seed production occurs in the summer months and the seeds mature in August.
The seeds can be directly sown in the soil or transplanted in pots and trays. The best time to transplant Smooth Brome is usually in the spring or early fall. The seeds need to be planted in well-drained soil, and they require consistent moisture and sunlight.
Asexual Propagation
Bromus secalinus can also propagate asexually through vegetative propagation. Vegetative propagation can be done through methods such as rhizome division or tiller separation.
Division of rhizomes involves cutting one mature rhizome into several smaller sections, each with a bud or growth point. The new rhizomes can be replanted in soil or pots. Rhizome propagations are generally done in early spring or early fall.
Tiller separation various tillers are taken from a mature plant, each with roots, leaves and shoots. The tillers are replanted and watered thoroughly.
Smooth Brome is a hardy plant and can successfully propagate through both sexual and asexual methods with proper care and attention.
Disease and Pest Management for Bromus secalinus L. var. grossus
Bromus secalinus L. var. grossus is a cereal crop that can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. It is important to manage these problems to maintain a healthy and productive crop. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant, along with suggested management strategies.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that may affect Bromus secalinus is stem rust (Puccinia graminis). This fungal disease can cause severe damage to the plant, resulting in reduced yield and quality. To manage stem rust, it is important to plant resistant cultivars and to avoid planting in fields that have a history of the disease. Crop rotation and fungicide application may also be effective preventive measures.
Another disease that can affect the crop is the stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis). It can cause yellow stripes on leaves, stunted growth and reduced yields. Planting resistant cultivars and avoiding planting in fields with a history of the disease can help. Fungicides and fertilizers can also be used to control it.
Pests
In addition to diseases, Bromus secalinus can also be affected by pests. One of the most common pests is the cereal aphid (Sitobion avenae). This tiny insect can cause stunted growth, chlorotic leaves, and reduced yield. To manage aphids, farmers can use natural predators, such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps, or insecticides.
Wireworms (Agriotes spp.) are also a threat to the plant. These larvae of click beetles can tunnel inside the plant and cause significant damage. Crop rotation and soil treatments can help manage wireworms.
Lastly, the European Mole Cricket (Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa) can damage roots and cause patches of yellow plants. Natural predators such as birds or natural pesticides can help manage the pests.
Overall, the careful management of diseases and pests is essential to maintain a healthy and productive Bromus secalinus crop. Integrated pest management systems including monitoring, preventive measures and reactive measures can assist in keeping the crop safe and healthy.