Origin and Common Names
Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus (F.W. Schultz) Hegi, commonly known as the hairy chess or rough brome, is a species of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is native to Europe, but it can be found in many parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and Asia.General Appearance
The hairy chess is an annual or biennial grass that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The stem is erect, round, and hairy, and it can be up to 1cm in diameter. The leaves are flat, hairy, and tapered at the ends, with a distinctive bluish-green color. The inflorescence is a long, loose, and branched panicle that is up to 30cm long, with 10-20 spikelets per branch. The spikelets are narrow, 4-6cm long, and contain up to 18 florets each.Uses
Hairy chess is a weed species that can be found in many agricultural and non-agricultural areas. While it can provide some grazing value for livestock, it is generally considered a nuisance. Its seeds can contaminate wheat and other cereal crops, reducing their quality and yield. However, some studies have suggested that hairy chess could have medicinal properties due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, which could be useful for treating various health conditions. Additionally, its seeds are used in traditional Chinese medicine to nourish the spleen and improve digestion. However, this plant should be used with caution, as it can cause allergies and irritations in some people.Light requirements
Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus grows well under full sun or partial shade. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Low light levels will cause the plant to suffer from chlorosis, which is the yellowing of leaves due to a lack of chlorophyll.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus is between 15 to 30°C. The plant is a cool season grass and can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 30°C can cause significant damage to the plant. In areas with hot summers, it is essential to ensure that the plant receives adequate water to prevent it from drying out.
Soil requirements
B. secalinus L. var. hirtus thrives in fertile, well-drained soils. The plant grows best in soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic soils, but extreme acidity can hamper its growth. The plant needs adequate moisture to germinate, so it is essential to keep the soil moist during the germination process. Once the plant is established, it can withstand a moderate level of drought.
Cultivation Methods
Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus requires a sunny area with fertile, well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed during the warm season. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil at a depth of about 1 cm.
Before planting, it is recommended to till the soil and remove any weeds or rocks that may obstruct growth. The seeds should be spaced about 10 to 15 cm apart in rows that are about 30 cm apart. Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus should be watered immediately after planting and frequently thereafter to keep the soil evenly moist.
Watering Needs
Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus prefers consistently moist soil, but it is important not to overwater it. Overwatering can lead to poor growth and even fungus or disease. It is important to use a well-draining soil that allows the water to pass through the soil quickly. The plant should be watered deeply about once a week during the growing season, or more frequently during dry spells or drought conditions.
Fertilization
Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the spring at a rate of about 50 grams per square meter. In addition, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be added during the early stages of growth to boost growth. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to an excess of foliage and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus does not require regular pruning. However, any dead, diseased, or damaged foliage should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease and promote healthy growth. The plant can be cut back significantly after flowering has finished to promote new growth and encourage blooming in the following year. Additionally, if the plant becomes too large, it can be divided in the autumn or early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Propagation of Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus
Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus (F.W. Schultz) Hegi, commonly known as the hairy bromegrass, is a cool-season annual grass species that is native to Europe and Asia. It is commonly used for forage and hay production, as it has good nutritional quality and high yield potential. Propagation of Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus can be done through two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus. The plant produces large quantities of seeds that can be collected and sown directly into the ground. Seeds are usually planted in late summer or early fall when the soil temperature is suitable for germination. The seeds are sown at a depth of 1-2 inches and spaced 6-12 inches apart. Germination can take 10-20 days, and the plant will begin to establish itself over the next few weeks.
If desired, Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus seeds can also be started indoors several weeks before the last frost date. Seeds should be planted in small pots with well-draining soil and placed in a warm, sunny location. Once the seedlings reach a height of 4-6 inches, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus is possible but less common. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in a suitable growing medium. Cuttings are usually taken in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be 3-4 inches long and should have at least two nodes.
Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining growing medium, such as perlite or vermiculite. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, bright location. Rooting should occur within 2-3 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted outdoors once they are well established.
Disease Management
Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus (F.W. Schultz) Hegi may be susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can cause a negative impact on its growth and yield. The following are some common diseases that affect this plant:
Leaf Rust
Leaf rust is a fungal disease that causes small yellow patches or pustules on the leaves of the plant. It can be controlled by using fungicides that contain active ingredients such as triadimefon, propiconazole, or difenoconazole. Proper sanitation practices, such as removing plant debris and avoiding overcrowding of plants, can also help prevent the spread of leaf rust.
Smut
Smut is a fungal disease that causes black, powdery masses to form on the plant's stem and head. It can be managed by using smut-resistant varieties of Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus (F.W. Schultz) Hegi. Fungicides such as thiram or carboxin can also be used to prevent smut infection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a disease caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant. It can cause wilting, stunted growth, and poor yields in the plant. To prevent root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering and to provide proper drainage. Fungicides such as azoxystrobin or metalaxyl can also be used to control root rot.
Pest Management
Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus (F.W. Schultz) Hegi may also be affected by various pests that can cause damage to the plant. The following are some common pests that affect this plant:
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers can cause severe damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves, stems, and heads. The use of insecticides such as carbaryl, cyfluthrin, or malathion can help control grasshoppers. Cultural practices such as removing tall grass around the plants and avoiding over-fertilization can also help reduce grasshopper populations.
Cutworms
Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. They can be controlled by using insecticides such as carbaryl or permethrin. Cultural practices such as tilling the soil in the fall and spring can also help reduce the number of cutworms in the field.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and reduced yields. They can be controlled by using insecticides such as imidacloprid or thiamethoxam. Cultural practices such as crop rotation and removing weed hosts can also help reduce aphid populations.
It is important to regularly monitor for disease and pest infestations in Bromus secalinus L. var. hirtus (F.W. Schultz) Hegi. Employing a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods can help manage these pests and diseases effectively.
