Origin
Cynodon aethiopicus W.D. Clayton & Harlan is a type of grass that is native to Africa and parts of Asia. It grows in tropical and subtropical climates and is commonly found in savannahs and grasslands.
Common Names
This grass is commonly known as the African couch grass or the African Bermuda grass. It is also referred to as Khodra in Arabic and Dreschergras in German.
Uses
Cynodon aethiopicus has several uses. It is commonly used as animal fodder, especially for grazing livestock such as cattle and sheep. It is also used for erosion control and as a ground cover in landscaping projects. Additionally, the roots of this grass have been used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments.
General Appearance
Cynodon aethiopicus is a perennial grass that typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm. It has a prostrate growth habit, with long narrow leaves that are typically green in color. The seed heads of this grass are typically spiky and range in color from green to purple. This grass has a deep root system that enables it to tolerate drought and other adverse environmental conditions.
Light Requirements
The plant Cynodon aethiopicus requires a significant amount of sunlight to grow. It thrives well in areas with full sun exposure. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for its growth. In case of inadequate sunlight, the plant may experience stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
Cynodon aethiopicus is heat-tolerant and can survive in high temperatures. It can also withstand cold temperatures and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, the plant does well in warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. During extreme temperatures, the plant may go dormant and cease growth temporarily.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline. The ideal range is between 6.0-7.5. This plant species can tolerate a wide range of soils including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils.
Cultivation
Cynodon aethiopicus, commonly known as kikuyu grass, is a warm-season perennial grass that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The grass is drought-resistant and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, making it a popular choice for lawns, parks, and sports fields.
The best time to plant kikuyu grass is during the spring or summer when the soil is warm and moist. The grass can be propagated through seeds or vegetatively by planting runners or sods.
Watering Needs
Once established, Cynodon aethiopicus requires moderate watering. The grass can tolerate drought conditions and can go without water for several weeks. However, for best growth and health, it is recommended to water the grass deeply but infrequently. This will encourage deep rooting and increase the grass's ability to withstand drought conditions.
Fertilization
Cynodon aethiopicus has moderate fertilizer requirements. It is recommended to fertilize the grass twice a year - once in the spring and once in the fall. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and timings.
Pruning
Kikuyu grass requires regular pruning to prevent the grass from becoming too tall and to promote good growth. It is recommended to mow the grass to a height of 2-3 inches. Pruning should be done at least once a month during the growing season and every 2-3 months during the dormant season. It is recommended to use a sharp mower blade to prevent damaging the grass.
Propagation Methods of Cynodon aethiopicus W.D. Clayton & Harlan
Cynodon aethiopicus W.D. Clayton & Harlan is a perennial grass that spreads vegetatively through stolons or runners, making it easy to propagate. It is also propagated by seed, but vegetative propagation is preferred as it maintains the desired characteristics of the parent plant.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Cynodon aethiopicus can be achieved through several methods, including division, rooting of stolons, and harvesting and planting of sprigs.
Division involves separating the clumps of the parent plant into smaller sections, each with its roots and shoots, and planting them separately. This method is best done during spring or fall when the plant is actively growing.
Rooting of stolons involves placing the stolon in a potting mix or soil, covering it lightly with the mix or soil and keeping it moist until roots and shoots develop. Once well-established, the new plant can be transplanted into the desired location.
Sprigs are harvested by cutting short pieces of the stolon with at least one node and one or two leaves. These pieces are then planted shallowly in the soil, and the soil is kept moist until new growth appears.
Seed Propagation
While seed propagation of Cynodon aethiopicus is not the preferred method, it can be done. Seeds are collected from mature spikes and sown in a seedbed or directly into the soil during early spring or fall when soil temperatures are warm. Seeds should be planted no deeper than 1.3 cm and kept moist until germination occurs, which typically takes 10-14 days.
Once germinated, seedlings require careful management, including regular watering and protection from pests and diseases, as they are susceptible to damage during their early growth stages.
Disease and Pest Management for Cynodon aethiopicus W.D. Clayton & Harlan
Cynodon aethiopicus W.D. Clayton & Harlan, commonly known as African bermudagrass, is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Being aware of common diseases and pests and taking preventative measures can help manage potential problems effectively.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases found in African bermudagrass is leaf spot, caused by the fungus Bipolaris cynodontis. Symptoms include small brown spots on the leaves, which can coalesce to form larger patches. To manage leaf spot, avoid overhead irrigation and reduce thatch buildup through regular mowing and dethatching. Fungicides can also be applied to manage the disease.
Another disease that affects African bermudagrass is dollar spot, caused by the fungus Clarireedia jacksonii. Symptoms include white, straw-colored, or tan spots that are roughly the size of a silver dollar. To manage dollar spot, improve soil drainage to reduce prolonged periods of surface moisture. Proper fertilization, mowing, and watering practices also help prevent the disease. Fungicides can be used to manage the disease if it does occur.
Common Pests
Two common pests that can affect African bermudagrass are armyworms and chinch bugs. Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on the leaves and stems of grasses, causing significant damage. To manage armyworms, maintain a healthy turf through proper fertilization and irrigation practices. Pesticides can also be used to control the pests if necessary. Chinch bugs are tiny insects that suck the sap from grass blades, causing yellowing and wilting of the plant. To manage chinch bugs, maintain proper irrigation and fertilization practices and ensure the turf is healthy and dense. Insecticides can also be used to manage the pests if needed.
Overall, taking preventative measures such as proper irrigation, fertilization, and mowing practices can help prevent diseases and pest infestations. Monitoring the turf regularly and recognizing signs of potential problems can help manage issues early on before they cause significant damage.
