Origin and Common Names
Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney, commonly known as spike burrgrass, is a native plant species found in East and West Africa, as well as in the Indian subcontinent. It is commonly found growing in arid and semi-arid regions.
General Appearance
Cenchrus pedunculatus has an upright growth habit and can reach a height of up to 1.5 meters. The stems of the plant are generally tough and wiry, with small, cylindrical spikes along their length. The leaves of the plant are thin and linear, with a characteristic blue-green hue.
Uses
The spike burrgrass plant has a wide range of traditional uses in the regions where it is found. It is commonly used as a source of forage for livestock and wildlife, particularly during the dry season when other food sources are scarce.
In some regions, the leaves and stems of the plant are dried and ground into a powder, which is then used as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever and intestinal problems.
The tough nature of the spike burrgrass stem also makes it useful for weaving baskets and other household items, while the seeds of the plant are sometimes used as a source of food for humans.
Light Requirements
Cenchrus pedunculatus, also known as wiregrass or sandbur, grows best in areas that receive full sun exposure. It is a warm-season grass that requires long days of sunlight to photosynthesize efficiently. In shady areas, the plant tends to become more open and weak, which can lead to weed invasion and reduced yields.
Temperature Requirements
Cenchrus pedunculatus is a warm-season grass that is adapted to a range of temperatures. It thrives in areas with long hot summers and mild winters. The optimum soil temperature for the seeds to germinate is around 20-30°C. Seedlings can tolerate temperatures as low as 8°C, but their growth is seriously affected if the temperature drops below that range.
Soil Requirements
Cenchrus pedunculatus prefers well-draining sandy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5. The plant prefers to grow in soils with low fertility, which is common in areas with sandy soils. It can grow in soils with low to moderate salinity levels but cannot survive in highly saline soils. The plant is sensitive to waterlogging and prefers soils that are not prone to flooding.
Cultivation Methods for Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney
Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney is a warm-season perennial grass that thrives in areas with an annual rainfall of 250-350 mm. It prefers well-drained soils with moderate fertility and a pH of 5.5-7.5. Prior to planting, prepare the soil by plowing and harrowing to create a suitable seedbed. Afterward, broadcast the seeds on the ground and cover them with a light layer of soil.
The ideal planting time for Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney is during the onset of the rainy season, which allows the seeds to establish faster and better. With proper care and a suitable growing environment, this grass species can provide excellent forage for livestock and wildlife in arid and semi-arid regions.
Watering Needs of Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney
Water is a crucial component in the establishment and growth of Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney. It requires adequate moisture, especially during the germination phase and the early growth stages. Irrigate the plants regularly, especially during periods of drought. Ensure that the soil doesn't stay waterlogged for too long as this can cause root rot and kill the plant.
However, once the plant reaches maturity, reduce the amount of water it receives to a minimum. Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney is drought-resistant, and it can tolerate low rainfall throughout the growing season.
Fertilization of Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney
Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney requires moderate levels of fertility to perform optimally, but excessive levels of nitrogen can have adverse effects on its growth and development. Before planting, apply a basal dose of 20-30 kg/ha of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) to the soil.
Afterward, monitor the plants' growth and apply a top dressing of 5-10 kg/ha NPK every six to eight weeks throughout the growing season. Avoid over-application of fertilizers as this can lead to lodging and reduced forage quality.
Pruning Techniques for Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney
Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney requires minimal pruning and maintenance. However, pruning can help to improve forage quality and prevent the plants from becoming too woody. Prune the plants during the late flowering stage by cutting the stems down to about 10-15 cm above the ground using a sharp machete or pruning shears.
It's important to note that Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney has sharp and hard spines that can be dangerous to human handlers and grazing animals. It's advisable to wear protective clothing and to keep the plants away from livestock feeding areas.
Propagation of Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney
Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney can be propagated through different methods. The most common ways of propagating the plant include:
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney through seeds is the most common method. The plant produces a large number of seeds which can be collected and sown when mature. The seeds should be collected from healthy and vigorous plants to ensure high germination rates. They can be sown directly in the field or in nurseries.
When sowing in the field, the seeds should be broadcasted thinly and covered lightly with soil. A good seedbed is essential to ensure high germination rates. In nurseries, the seeds can be sown in trays or pots filled with a well-draining growing medium. The trays or pots should be placed in a warm and bright area and watered regularly until the seedlings emerge.
Vegetative Propagation
Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney can also be propagated through vegetative methods. The most common way of vegetative propagation is through stem cuttings. This method is particularly useful when the plant has desirable traits that are not expressed through seed propagation.
The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and vigorous plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings can be planted directly in the field or in a well-draining rooting medium.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney. This method is particularly useful when the plant has a clumping growth habit. The clumps can be dug up and divided into smaller sections using a sharp spade or knife. Each section should have healthy roots and shoots. The divided sections can be planted immediately in the field or in pots filled with a well-draining growing medium.
Disease Management
Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney is susceptible to diseases such as rust, smut, and leaf spot. Rust is caused by fungus and appears as yellow spots on the leaves, which eventually turn rusty brown. Smut is a fungal disease that causes the plant to have a stunted growth and produces black spores in the inflorescence. Leaf spot, caused by the fungus Bipolaris hawaiiensis, produces elongated leaf spots that are brown with yellow halos.
To manage rust and smut, remove and destroy the diseased plant parts and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides such as copper-based sprays can also be used to prevent and treat the diseases. For leaf spot, cultural control by sanitation is the best method. Ensure the soil is well-drained and remove the diseased plant parts. Additionally, fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Common pests that might affect Cenchrus pedunculatus O. Deg. & Whitney are the grasshopper and the shoot fly. The grasshopper damages the plants by feeding on the leaves, while the shoot fly lays eggs on the seedlings, and the larvae feed on the plant.
To manage grasshoppers, use physical control methods, including netting and row covers. Insecticides such as pyrethroids can also be used to control the pests. For shoot flies, cultural control measures such as crop rotation and intercropping with less attractive plants can be used. Insecticides such as neem-based can also be applied to control the pests.
