Overview
Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy, also known as African bermudagrass, is a warm-season grass species native to southern and eastern Africa. It belongs to the family Poaceae and is widely used as a turfgrass in many countries.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by different names such as African bermudagrass, transvaal bermudagrass, and African couchgrass. In some parts of the world, it is referred to as Rhodes grass because of its ability to grow in the highveld regions of South Africa.
Uses
Cynodon transvaalensis is highly valued as a turfgrass species because of its ability to tolerate drought and shade. It is commonly used on golf courses, sports fields, and residential lawns. The plant also provides forage for grazing animals and is often included in grass mixtures for erosion control in areas prone to soil erosion.
General Appearance
Cynodon transvaalensis has a fine-textured, medium-green color, and is known for its high-density growth, making it an ideal turfgrass species. The leaves are narrow, flat, and pointed at the tips, with a smooth texture and glossy appearance. The plant has a deep root system, enabling it to tolerate and survive prolonged periods of drought. It has a prostrate growth habit and can spread rapidly through stolons, which allows it to form a dense cover in a relatively short period.
Light Requirements
Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but full sunlight is ideal for optimal growth. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy is a warm-season grass. It can tolerate high temperatures, drought, and low humidity. The best growth temperature range for this plant is between 26-32°C (79-90°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils with moderate to high fertility. Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy grows well in various soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Soil pH ranges from 5.0 to 7.5 are ideal for optimal growth. This plant can tolerate some salt, making it useful for coastal landscapes.
Cultivation
Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy, commonly known as African Bermuda grass, is a warm-season perennial grass that thrives in a variety of soil types and environments. It requires full sunlight exposure and can grow up to 30 cm tall. It is usually cultivated through planting seeds or vegetative propagation.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular moisturizing but is drought-tolerant. Watering should be done sparingly since African Bermuda grass is susceptible to disease incidence when over-watered. The frequency of watering should be determined by the environmental climate, and soil moisture levels should be constantly monitored.
Fertilization
For optimum growth and development, the African Bermuda grass requires regular fertilization. The application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be done during the growing period, primarily in summer and spring. The fertilizing application rates and frequency should be determined by the soil quality and condition.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential care practice that should be carried out regularly. It helps in the development of a healthy and attractive turfgrass. African Bermuda grass should be mowed frequently, usually at a height of 2.5 cm. The frequency should be adjusted according to the growth rate and environmental conditions. Clippings should be removed from the lawn to prevent the accumulation of thatch.
Propagation of Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy
Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy, also known as African Bermuda grass, is a popular turfgrass species due to its low-maintenance and tolerance to drought and high temperatures. The plant can be propagated using both vegetative and sexual methods.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves using plant parts to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. This method is preferable for Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy because the grass does not produce viable seeds.
The most common vegetative propagation method is sodding, which involves planting small patches of mature turfgrass into prepared soil. Alternatively, plugs or sprigs can be used, which are small pieces of grass with roots and a few leaves. Plugs and sprigs can be planted directly into the soil, or into trays and grown until they are large enough to transplant into the ground.
Sexual Propagation
Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy rarely produces viable seeds, making sexual propagation difficult. However, if seeds are available, they can be sown directly into prepared soil. The seeds should be planted shallowly and kept moist until germination occurs.
Overall, vegetative propagation is the most efficient method for propagating Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy, as it yields faster and more consistent results than sexual propagation.
Disease Management
Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy can be susceptible to various diseases like root rot and leaf spot. Root rot is a fungal disease caused by the Fusarium oxysporum fungus, which thrives in soil with poor drainage. Leaf spot, on the other hand, is caused by the Cercospora fungus, which usually develops in humid and warm conditions.
To manage root rot, it's crucial to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil has proper drainage. If detected early, the affected parts of the plant can be cut off and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be applied to the soil to control the disease, but it's best to consult with a professional before using any chemicals.
For leaf spot, it's important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering, which can contribute to the development of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Pest Management
The most common pests that can affect Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy are aphids, armyworms, and grasshoppers. Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant, while armyworms and grasshoppers can cause physical damage to the leaves and stems.
To manage aphids, beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings can be introduced to the environment to feed on the pests. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control the infestation.
Armyworms and grasshoppers can be physically removed from the plant by handpicking them off or controlled using insecticides. To prevent reinfestation, it's important to remove any debris or dead plant material that can harbor the pests.
