Cynodon Dactylon (l.) Pers.

Overview of Cynodon dactylon

Cynodon dactylon, also known as Bermuda grass, is a perennial grass species of the Poaceae family. It is native to Africa, but can now be found in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Common names

The plant is commonly known as Bermuda grass in the United States and Australia. In other parts of the world, it is known by other names such as Durva in Hindi, Kweekgras in Dutch, and Grama in Spanish.

Uses

Cynodon dactylon has a variety of uses. It is commonly used in turfgrass for sports fields and residential lawns. It is also used for erosion control because of its extensive root system. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used for the treatment of a variety of ailments such as skin diseases, fever and asthma.

General appearance

Cynodon dactylon has a fine texture and has a soft, dense feel underfoot. The plant grows low to the ground and can be identified by its flattened stems, which can root at the nodes. The leaves are green to blue-green in color and the seed heads are spike-like. The plant can grow up to 30-40 cm in height and has a spreading growth habit.

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Light Requirements

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. tends to thrive in full sunlight conditions, making it a popular grass species for lawns and golf courses in warm regions. It grows best when exposed to direct, intense sunlight for at least six hours each day.

Temperature Requirements

This plant species is highly adaptable to different temperature conditions, and it can tolerate both cool and warm temperatures. It grows optimally at temperatures between 25 and 35°C, but it can survive outside of this range. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. is generally a warm-season grass species, meaning it thrives better during warm periods, and often goes dormant in colder periods.

Soil Type Requirements

The ideal soil type for Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. is well-draining sandy loam soil that has good water retention. However, it can grow on other soil types like clay, silt, and sand, as long as it is not compacted and has good drainage. The soil must have a pH range of 5.5-7 to support the growth of this plant. In general, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. can withstand drought and moderate salinity levels in the soil.

Cultivation of Cynodon dactylon

The ideal climate for growing Cynodon dactylon is warm and sunny. This plant can thrive in a range of soil types, whether sandy or clayey, as long as proper drainage is provided. The best time to plant the grass is during the spring season when temperatures warm up. Cynodon dactylon is usually grown from seeds or sprigs, and the planting density should be about 2 to 3 bushels per acre or 3-5 kg of seeds per hectare.

Watering Needs

Cynodon dactylon is drought-resistant, but it requires regular watering to thrive optimally. Young plants should be watered frequently, preferably every two days, until the turf is firmly established. During the hot summer months, the grass needs at least one inch of water weekly, either from rainfall or irrigation, to keep it healthy. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to the development of fungal diseases.

Fertilization

To maintain the health and vigor of Cynodon dactylon grass, it is essential to provide proper nutrient levels. Fertilization should be done at least three times per year, preferably in spring, summer, and fall. A balanced fertilizer, such as 15-15-15, is suitable. However, it is best to conduct a soil test to determine the specific fertilizer requirements for the soil. Overuse of fertilizers should be avoided to prevent build-up and the risk of leaching into groundwater.

Pruning

Cynodon dactylon requires regular pruning to retain its density and height. It should be mowed at least once a week during the growing season using a sharp mower blade. The recommended mowing height is 1 to 2 inches, depending on the desired grass height and usage. However, it is essential to avoid scalping the grass as it can lead to stress and damage. Removing more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time should also be avoided to maintain the health and vigor of the turf.

Propagation of Cynodon dactylon Plants

Cynodon dactylon, commonly known as Bermuda grass, is a popular warm-season grass used for lawns, pastures, and sports fields. Propagation of the Cynodon dactylon plant can be done using several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and stolon propagation.

Seed Propagation

Propagation via seed is the most cost-effective method for producing large numbers of Cynodon dactylon plants. The seeds can be harvested from mature plants and propagated in a greenhouse or nursery. Typically, the seeds take around two to three weeks to germinate and require consistent moisture and warm temperatures to grow.

Vegetative Propagation

Cynodon dactylon can also reproduce vegetatively. This method involves planting stem cuttings from mature plants. The stem cuttings should be about 3-4 inches long and planted vertically in well-drained soil. The cuttings can take up to three weeks to develop roots and start growing.

Stolon Propagation

Stolon propagation is another vegetative propagation method used for Cynodon dactylon. Stolons are horizontal above-ground stems that grow from the parent plant and develop roots at the nodes. These roots will eventually give rise to new plants. For stolon propagation, the stolon is pegged down to the soil surface and covered with soil. It will take three to four weeks for new plants to grow from the stolon.

Disease Management

Cynodon dactylon is susceptible to diseases like dollar spot, brown patch, and anthracnose. Cultural practices such as proper mowing, fertilization, and irrigation can help reduce the incidence of these diseases. In addition, regular monitoring of the turf is necessary to detect diseases at an early stage. Fungicides like chlorothalonil, propiconazole, and triadimefon can be applied to control these diseases. However, fungicide application should be done only when the disease has been confirmed, and proper timing and application rates should be followed.

Pest Management

Cynodon dactylon can be attacked by various pests such as armyworms, cutworms, and chinch bugs. Proper cultural practices like regular mowing and proper irrigation can help prevent pest infestations. In addition, biological control agents like parasitic wasps and nematodes can be used to control pests. Chemical control measures like insecticides can also be applied to control insect pests. However, the use of insecticides should be done as a last resort, and only after proper identification of the pest and consideration of non-chemical control measures.