Overview
Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. is a type of grass commonly known as crowfoot grass. It is native to Africa, Asia, and Australia and has since spread to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Appearance
The leaves of Dactyloctenium germinatum are green and narrow, with a pointed tip and rough edges. The plant grows in clumps that can reach up to 20 cm in height and 30 cm in diameter. The stems of crowfoot grass are thin, wiry, and hardy.
The plant has a robust root system that helps it survive in harsh environments, including drought and saline soils.
Common Names
Besides crowfoot grass, other common names for Dactyloctenium germinatum are fingergrass or shampoo grass. The name shampoo grass comes from its historical use as a natural shampoo by native peoples in Africa and Asia.
Uses
The seeds of Dactyloctenium germinatum are edible and are commonly used as a food source, mainly in Africa and Asia. The seeds are also a source of oil, which can be used in cooking and as a lubricant.
In addition to its food-related uses, the plant has medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat various ailments, including fever, jaundice, and diarrhea. Research has also shown that crowfoot grass has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Finally, Dactyloctenium germinatum is used as animal fodder and as a natural turf in lawns and pastures.
Light requirements
Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow robustly. However, it can also tolerate partial shade (2-4 hours of sunlight) but at the expense of less vigorous growth.
Temperature requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. is between 24°C and 32°C. It is a warm-season grass that does not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. Temperatures above 35°C may cause stress and reduce its growth rate. Nevertheless, it can adapt to a wide range of temperatures and can grow well in hot and humid environments.
Soil requirements
Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. prefers to grow in well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soils (pH range of 6.0-7.0). It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it does not tolerate water-logged soils and can quickly suffer from root rot under such conditions. The plant can grow in areas with moderate to high levels of salinity and is highly drought-tolerant.
Cultivation Methods for Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack.
Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. is an annual plant that is grown mainly for forage and hay. It is a warm-season grass that grows well in hot and dry conditions. The plant is propagated from seed, which is sown directly in the field.
The best time to sow the seed is during the rainy season. The seed needs to be planted at a depth of about 1 cm, and the soil should be kept moist until germination occurs. The plant requires full sunlight to grow and should be spaced at least 15 cm apart to allow for proper growth.
Watering Needs for Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack.
Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. requires regular watering for the first few weeks after planting to establish a strong root system. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate extended periods of drought.
However, during prolonged droughts, the plant's growth may slow down, and it may become less productive. Regular watering during the dry season can help maintain the plant's productivity.
Fertilization of Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack.
Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. is a relatively low-maintenance plant that does not require large amounts of fertilizer. However, a balanced fertilizer can help improve the plant's performance.
The plant can be fertilized with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A ratio of 4:2:1 is recommended. The fertilizer should be applied before planting, and a top dressing can be applied after the first cut.
Pruning of Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack.
Pruning is not required for Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. as it is an annual plant that dies off after one season. However, harvesting the plant for hay or forage is essential to maintain its productivity. The plant can be harvested approximately 60-70 days after planting.
Harvesting should be done when the plant is in the boot stage, just before it starts to form seeds. The plant should be cut close to the ground, leaving about 2-3 cm of stubble. This allows the plant to regrow quickly and produce more forage or hay.
Propagation of Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack.
Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. is commonly called as crowfoot grass, a weed species inhabiting cultivated fields, roadsides, wastelands, and disturbed areas in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The following are the propagation methods of this plant:
Seeds
Propagation of Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. through seeds is the easiest and most common method. The seeds of this plant are small and blackish in color. They can be collected from mature plants at the end of the growing season. The collected seeds should be dried and stored in a cool and dry place until the next growing season. In the spring season, the seeds can be sown in the prepared beds of soil. The seeds require a well-drained soil with good fertility and moisture for better germination.
Vegetative Propagation
Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. can be propagated vegetatively through rhizomes and stolons. Rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally and produce new shoots and roots from their nodes. Stolons are also the creeping stems that run horizontally on the soil surface and develop roots where nodes touch the soil. Both these structures can be separated from the mother plant and planted in the prepared beds of soil. Ensure that the rhizomes or stolons are buried in the soil and keep the soil moist until the new shoots emerge.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a modern method of propagation that can produce high-quality plants in large numbers. It involves the growth of small pieces of plant tissue in a nutrient medium under sterile laboratory conditions. Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. can also be propagated through tissue culture. This method requires a laboratory setup with the necessary equipment and skilled personnel. This method is used to produce disease-free plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. is susceptible to various diseases such as leaf spots, root rot, and turfgrass diseases like dollar spot and brown patch. The following are some ways to manage these diseases:
- Proper irrigation: Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's necessary to water the plant deeply and infrequently. Avoid watering in the evening or night as it can increase the chances of disease.
- Improve air circulation: Adequate air circulation can help reduce the chances of leaf spot disease. Avoid planting the Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. too close to each other.
- Use of fungicides: If the disease is severe, use fungicides with active ingredients like propiconazole and thiophanate-methyl to control the disease.
Pest Management
There are several pests that might affect the Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack. These include sod webworms, armyworms, and chinch bugs. The following are some ways to manage these insects:
- Use of insecticides: Insecticides with active ingredients like bifenthrin and lambda-cyhalothrin can be used to control various pests that might attack the Dactyloctenium germinatum Hack.
- Maintain healthy turf: A healthy turf with adequate fertilization, mowing, and irrigation practices can reduce the chances of pest infestation.
- Remove thatch: Thatch provides a shelter for the insects, so it's essential to remove the thatch layer regularly.
