Overview of Cynodon glabratus Steud.
Cynodon glabratus Steud. is commonly known as coastal Bermuda grass or Kikuyu grass. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is a perennial grass that is native to Africa. It has since been introduced to different parts of the world, including North and South America, Australia, and Asia.
Appearance of Cynodon glabratus Steud.
Coastal Bermuda grass has a unique appearance that makes it easy to identify. It has a dense and spreading growth habit, and its stems can grow up to 1.5 meters long. The leaves are broad and flat, with a bluish-green color. The grass also has an extensive root system that helps it grow well in various soil types and conditions.
Uses of Cynodon glabratus Steud.
Cynodon glabratus Steud. is an important grass species that has many uses. It is commonly used for grazing, especially in wet and humid areas. Its hardiness and fast growth rate make it ideal for erosion control, especially in areas prone to soil erosion. The grass is also useful in landscaping and sports fields due to its beautiful appearance and ability to withstand heavy traffic. Additionally, it is a source of forage for livestock, and the young leaves and shoots are edible and can be used in salads or cooked as a vegetable.
Light Requirements
Cynodon glabratus Steud. is a warm-season grass that usually grows in areas that receive full sunlight. This makes it ideal for growing in regions with high light intensity, such as tropical and sub-tropical regions. To ensure optimal growth of this plant, it is recommended to provide a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Cynodon glabratus Steud. thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 68°F to 95°F (20°C to 35°C). The plant can still grow in temperatures as low as 50°F or as high as 105°F, but its growth rate might be affected. In areas that experience winter, this plant often goes dormant during the colder months, and new growth resumes once the temperatures start to rise in spring.
Soil Requirements
Cynodon glabratus Steud. prefers soils that are well-drained to ensure proper aeration and prevent waterlogging. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. This plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must be adequately fertilized, as this plant is a heavy feeder that requires significant amounts of nutrients for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Cynodon glabratus Steud., commonly known as Eastern or Gulf Coast crowngrass, can be propagated from seeds, stem cuttings, or division of mature plants. It grows well in a wide range of soils, but it prefers sandy, loamy soils with adequate drainage. The planting site should be in a location that receives full sun exposure.
Watering Needs
Cynodon glabratus Steud. requires consistent and adequate moisture during the growing season for optimal growth. The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week instead of frequent shallow watering to encourage deep root growth. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the dormant season.
Fertilization
Fertilization is an essential aspect of Cynodon glabratus Steud. care. A slow-release nitrogen phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilizer should be applied at the beginning of the growing season and at least twice during the growing season. The fertilizer application should be adjusted based on soil test results, plant health, and growth rate.
Pruning
Cynodon glabratus Steud. does not require much pruning, but it can benefit from occasional mowing to control its height and maintain a tidy appearance. Mowing should be done when the grass has grown to a height of 3 to 4 inches. To promote healthy growth and minimize stress, the mower blades should be kept sharp to avoid tearing the grass blades.
Propagation of Cynodon glabratus Steud.
Cynodon glabratus Steud. is commonly propagated vegetatively, and the most effective and widely used method is through stolon and rhizome cuttings.
Stolon cuttings
Stolon cuttings are taken from the parent plant, and the individual stolons are cut into pieces, each containing one or two nodes. The stolon cuttings can then be planted horizontally in a moist planting medium, such as sand or soil, at a depth of 1-2 cm. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm, and within two weeks, roots and foliage should begin to emerge from the nodes.
Rhizome cuttings
Rhizome cuttings are taken from the parent plant, and the individual rhizomes are cut into pieces, each containing one or two nodes. The rhizome cuttings should be planted vertically in a moist planting medium, such as sand or soil, at a depth of 1-2 cm. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm, and within two weeks, roots and foliage should begin to emerge from the nodes.
Division
Another propagation method for Cynodon glabratus Steud. is division. This involves digging up the parent plant, dividing the root system into smaller sections, and replanting them. This method is less commonly used than stolon and rhizome cuttings.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the newly planted cuttings or divisions moist and warm until they are established in their new location. Once established, Cynodon glabratus Steud. is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance.
Disease Management
When it comes to Cynodon glabratus Steud., the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases such as dollar spot, brown patch, and Pythium blight. Gray leaf spot and rust are also common and may cause damage to the plant if not properly managed and prevented.
To manage these diseases, proper cultural practices such as ensuring good soil drainage, avoiding overwatering, and monitoring irrigation can help reduce the incidence of disease. Additionally, applying fungicides can help prevent and manage disease outbreaks. Fungicides containing active ingredients such as chlorothalonil, propiconazole, and azoxystrobin can be effective in managing dollar spot, brown patch, and other fungal diseases.
Pest Management
Cynodon glabratus Steud. may be affected by pests such as armyworms, cutworms, and white grubs. These pests may cause damage to plant roots, leading to reduced growth and overall plant health.
To manage these pests effectively, cultural practices such as proper soil preparation, appropriate plant selection, and regular monitoring can be implemented. Chemical control options such as insecticides containing active ingredients such as bifenthrin, carbaryl, and imidacloprid can be effective in controlling and preventing pests from causing extensive damage to the plant. However, care should be taken when using these products, and instructions on the label should be strictly followed to minimize risk to the environment, humans, and beneficial organisms.
