Origin
Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. is a native grass species of Europe and Asia, but it can also be found in North America, Africa, and South America. The plant belongs to the family Poaceae and can grow in many types of soils, including clay, loam, and sand.
Common Names
Some of the common names for this plant include Orchard grass, Dactyle aggloméré, and Kropa?ka.
Uses
Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. is commonly used as a forage crop for livestock, especially for grazing and hay making. It is also used for erosion control, soil stabilization, and landscaping purposes due to its deep and robust root system. Additionally, the seeds of this plant are sometimes used as bird feed.
General Appearance
Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. is a perennial grass species that can reach a height of up to 1.5 meters. It has a bunch-type growth habit, and its leaves are long, flat, and dark green. The inflorescence of this plant is a dense spike-like head that is 10-30 cm long and consists of many small spikelets. The seeds of this plant are ovoid, about 2-4 mm long, and have a whitish-yellow color.
Light Requirements
Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. plants prefer to grow in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. In partial shade conditions, the plant tends to grow taller, with thinner and weaker stems, than those grown in full sun. Therefore, it's recommended to grow the plant in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. is a cool-season grass and prefers moderate temperatures ranging between 55-75°F (13-24°C). The plant is hardy and can withstand low temperatures, but temperatures below 25°F (-4°C) can damage the plant severely. On the other hand, high temperatures can also be detrimental to the plant's growth, and it's recommended to provide some shade during hot summers.
Soil Requirements
Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. prefers well-drained and fertile soils. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels and can grow in soils with a pH range of 4.5-8.0. However, the plant tends to grow best in soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. It's recommended to avoid growing the plant in soils that are constantly wet or poorly drained. The plant doesn't tolerate drought well, and it's essential to provide regular irrigation during periods of drought.
Cultivation of Dactylis Glomerata L. Var. Vivipara Parl.
Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. is a hardy and vigorous plant that takes minimal effort to cultivate. To ensure proper growth and development, consider the following growing conditions:
- Light: Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
- Soil: This plant grows well in various soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6 to 7.
- Temperature: This plant thrives in cool to warm temperatures, between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
Watering Needs of Dactylis Glomerata L. Var. Vivipara Parl.
Water is essential to the growth and development of Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. In general, the plant requires moderate watering. When watering, ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
During the hotter months, increase the frequency of watering to twice a week. In contrast, during the cooler months, reduce watering to once every one to two weeks. Remember that the watering schedule will depend on the specific needs of the plant and the weather conditions in your region.
Fertilization of Dactylis Glomerata L. Var. Vivipara Parl.
Regular fertilization is vital to the health and growth of Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. Fertilizing the plant will boost its nutrient intake, which can help prevent various diseases and infections. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
During the growing season, fertilize the plant every four weeks. However, during the dormant season, reduce fertilization to once every eight weeks. Always follow the fertilizer instructions to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning of Dactylis Glomerata L. Var. Vivipara Parl.
Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. requires minimal pruning. However, you can trim the plant's blades to maintain its shape and promote good air circulation. Pruning can also help prevent the plant from becoming too dense, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
During the growing season, trim the plant once every two to three weeks. However, during the dormant season, only trim the plant once every four to six weeks.
When pruning, use sharp, clean pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases and infections. Start by removing dead or damaged blades before trimming excess growth. Ensure that you leave about two-thirds of the plant's blades untrimmed to promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl.
Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl., commonly known as viviparous cock's-foot, exhibits different methods of propagation including sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The plant produces flowers and seeds for reproduction. The flowers borne in panicles are self-pollinating and hermaphrodite. The seeds mature in summer and are dispersed via wind and water. The seeds require proper environmental conditions, including adequate soil moisture and temperature, to germinate and grow into mature plants.
Asexual propagation
Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. also reproduces asexually through different methods that can generate genetically identical plants. These methods include:
- Stolons: the plant produces stolons, or runners, which are above-ground stems that develop adventitious roots and a new plantlet. The new plant becomes an independent individual when the stolon breaks off from the parent plant.
- Rhizomes: the plant produces rhizomes, which are underground horizontal stems that can develop into separate plants. The rhizomes can grow very long and produce multiple buds, which can develop into new shoots and leaves.
- Offsets: the plant produces offsets, which are small plants that develop from the base of the parent plant. The offsets are genetically identical to the parent and can be easily detached and planted separately.
- Division: mature plants of Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. can be divided into smaller sections and planted separately. Each section should have a bud or shoot and a portion of the rhizome system.
Propagation of Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. can be done through any of the above methods, depending on the purpose and available resources. Asexual propagation is a more reliable method for producing new plants with consistent traits, while sexual propagation is useful for introducing genetic variation and expanding the gene pool.
Disease and Pest Management for Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl.
Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl., also known as Viviparous Cock's-foot or Dumont's dactylis, is a type of grass that is commonly grown for forage and erosion control. Like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can greatly reduce its productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fusarium patch - This disease is caused by a fungus and is characterized by circular patches of dead turf. The patches can range in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter. To manage this disease, avoid overfertilizing or overwatering the grass and remove any thatch buildup. Fungicides can also be used to prevent or treat the disease.
Brown patch - This disease is also caused by a fungus and can lead to large irregular patches of brown grass. It is more common during warm, humid weather. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the grass and ensure that there is good air circulation around the plants. Fungicides can also be used to prevent or treat the disease.
Leaf spot - This disease is caused by several types of fungi and is characterized by small circular spots on the grass blades. The spots can range in color from light tan to dark brown. To manage this disease, avoid overfertilizing or overwatering the grass and remove any thatch buildup. Fungicides can also be used to prevent or treat the disease.
Pests
Cutworms - These pests are the larvae of certain species of moths and can cause significant damage to the grass by cutting off the stems at or just below the soil surface. To manage cutworms, keep the area around the grass free of debris and weeds and apply targeted insecticides when necessary.
Armyworms - These pests are the larvae of certain species of moths and can cause significant damage to the grass by consuming the leaves and stems. To manage armyworms, keep the area around the grass free of debris and weeds and apply targeted insecticides when necessary.
Chinch bugs - These pests are small, black and white insects that feed on the sap of the grass. They can cause significant damage to the grass, especially during hot, dry weather. To manage chinch bugs, keep the area around the grass free of debris and weeds and apply targeted insecticides when necessary.
By following these disease and pest management strategies, you can help to ensure that your Dactylis glomerata L. var. vivipara Parl. grass remains healthy and productive.
