Origin
Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. & Steud. subsp. glabrata Chrtek & Osb.-Kos. is a species of grass that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa.
Common Names
Common names for this plant include African bermudagrass, smooth bermudagrass, and blue panicgrass.
Uses
Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. & Steud. subsp. glabrata Chrtek & Osb.-Kos. is commonly used for forage and erosion control. It is also used as a turfgrass in warmer climates and has been cultivated for use in golf courses and sports fields.
General Appearance
Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. & Steud. subsp. glabrata Chrtek & Osb.-Kos. is a low-growing, warm-season grass that typically grows in clumps. The leaves are narrow, with a blue-green color and a smooth texture. The plant produces purple or green spikes of flowers that can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. The seeds are small and have a hard outer shell, which helps the plant tolerate drought and other environmental stressors.
Light Requirements
Cenchrus pennisetiformis subsp. glabrata is a plant that requires full sun to grow. It means that it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. The plant may grow in areas with partial shade, but it will be less vigorous, and its growth may be stunted.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in areas with warm to hot summers and mild to cool winters. Subsp. glabrata can withstand temperatures ranging from -10°C to 40°C. However, to produce the best quality forage, a temperature range between 20°C and 35°C is ideal.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Subsp. glabrata does not grow well in waterlogged or compacted soils and may develop root rot if the soil is poorly drained. The plant thrives in sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients. It is also drought-tolerant and can tolerate low-fertility soils but may require fertilization to promote vigorous growth.
Cultivation Methods
Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. & Steud. subsp. glabrata Chrtek & Osb.-Kos. is best grown in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in hot and dry climates. It can also grow in areas with low soil fertility and soil salinity.
Watering Needs
Water the plant deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. It is best to wait until the soil is dry before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. & Steud. subsp. glabrata Chrtek & Osb.-Kos. does not require frequent fertilization. However, it can benefit from an application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Pruning
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches. It can also be pruned to maintain its shape and size. However, it is not necessary for the health and growth of the plant.
Propagation of Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. & Steud. subsp. glabrata Chrtek & Osb.-Kos.
Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. & Steud. subsp. glabrata Chrtek & Osb.-Kos. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant produces seeds, which can be collected and planted to grow new plants. The seeds can be collected in the fall when they are mature. After collecting, the seeds can be cleaned, air-dried, and stored until the next planting season. When planting, the seeds can be sown in the soil at a depth of 1 cm and kept moist until germination occurs.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation can be done through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season and should be at least 4 inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Keeping the soil moist and providing adequate light will help the cuttings to root and develop into new plants.
Disease Management
Cenchrus pennisetiformis subsp. glabrata can be affected by a number of diseases such as leaf blight, rust, smut, and foliar necrosis. To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good crop hygiene, practice crop rotation, and use disease-resistant varieties. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Cenchrus pennisetiformis subsp. glabrata can be attacked by pests such as aphids, mites, and caterpillars. To manage these pests, it is important to encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps. In case of severe infestation, pesticides can also be used, but care should be taken to use only those that are effective against the specific pest and do not harm beneficial insects.
