Description:
Dichanthelium acuminatum (Sw.) Gould & C.A. Clark var. thurowii (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould & C.A. Clark, commonly known as Thurow's panicgrass, is a species of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in various regions of the United States such as the Great Plains and Midwest. This plant is typically found in dry, open habitats such as prairies, meadows, and savannas.
Appearance:
Thurow's panicgrass grows up to 3 feet tall and has thin, wiry stems that are usually reddish-brown in color. The plant has a pointed leaf blade that is typically narrow and linear. Its inflorescence is a panicle of spikelets that are about 1.5-3 mm long. The spikelets are usually purple or green and are made up of several florets. Thurow's panicgrass is a C4 grass, meaning it has a unique photosynthesis process that allows it to efficiently process carbon dioxide even in hot and dry conditions.
Uses:
Thurow's panicgrass is primarily used for soil conservation, as its extensive root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion. It is also used as a forage plant for livestock, as the grass is highly palatable and nutritious. In addition, Thurow's panicgrass has been used in traditional medicine among Native American tribes to treat a variety of ailments, including gastrointestinal problems and respiratory illnesses.
Light Requirements:
Dichanthelium acuminatum (Sw.) Gould & C.A. Clark var. thurowii requires full to partial sunlight to support the plant growth. It thrives well in areas with high sunlight exposure. However, it can tolerate partial shade in areas with intense sunlight.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant typically grows in areas with temperatures ranging between 15? to 30?. Nevertheless, it can also grow in environments with temperatures outside of that range, but it will impact the growth rate.
Soil Requirements:
Dichanthelium acuminatum (Sw.) Gould & C.A. Clark var. thurowii thrives in a wide range of soil types, such as sandy loam soil, clay loam soil, and acidic soil. It prefers fertile soil with a pH range of 5.4 to 7.1.
The plant prefers the soil to be well-drained and to hold moisture well. Too much moisture in the soil will increase the risk of root rot and fungus growth, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Cultivation Methods for Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii
Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings. It is best to plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep the pot in bright, indirect sunlight. The stem cuttings can be taken from the parent plant and rooted in a moist potting mix with high humidity. Transplant the seedlings or rooted cuttings in a larger pot when they are six inches tall. The ideal potting mix for Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii is equal parts of garden soil, sand, and compost. The plant needs to be kept in a place that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Watering Needs for Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii
Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii is susceptible to overwatering, so it is essential to water the plant moderately. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. When watering, add enough water to allow excess water to drain out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. It is best to use a pot with a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization for Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii
Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii needs fertilization during its growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20:20:20 or 10:10:10. Fertilize the plant once every two weeks during the growing season. Stop fertilizing the plant when it is dormant. Applying compost or organic fertilizer to the potting mix when planting can help provide slow-release nutrients for the plant.
Pruning for Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii
Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii does not require much pruning. Remove the dead or damaged leaves and stems as they appear. You can also trim the plant to a compact shape if it gets too leggy or unruly. Prune the plant during its dormant period of late fall to early spring.
Propagation methods for Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii
Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii is most commonly propagated through seeds. The seeds are usually sown in late fall or early spring. Fall is usually the best time for seed sowing, as it allows for natural stratification over the winter. However, spring sowing can also be successful with artificial stratification methods.
Before sowing, the seeds must be cleaned and the chaff removed. This can be done manually by rubbing the seeds between fingertips or by using a fine mesh screen. Once cleaned, the seeds can be sown into a prepared seedbed. The seedbed should be weed-free and well-drained.
Once sown, the seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil or sand and gently watered. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to rotting. The seedbed should be kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within 7 to 14 days.
Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted to their permanent growing location. This should be done carefully to avoid damaging the delicate young plants. The plants should be spaced at least 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and development.
Disease and Pest Management for Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii
Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii, also known as Thurow's panicgrass, is a native warm-season grass that can be found in the southeastern region of the United States. While this plant is generally resilient, there are still a few diseases and pests that can affect it. The following are some common issues and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii can be affected by fungi-like pathogens such as rust or smut. These diseases can cause damage to the plant's leaves and affect their overall growth. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to remove any affected plant parts and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering as moisture on the leaves can promote the growth of these fungal diseases. Also, apply a fungicide as a preventative measure.
Viral Diseases: Viral diseases such as the panicum mosaic virus can also infect dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases. It is best to remove and destroy any affected plants to prevent the spread of the virus. Also, use virus-free seeds and avoid planting in areas where infected plants have been grown in the past.
Common Pests
Armyworms: Armyworms are destructive pests that can defoliate an entire crop in a matter of days. These pests are most active during the fall months. To manage armyworms, it is recommended to use biological controls such as parasitic wasps or insecticides. Also, planting dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii early in the season can help avoid this problem.
Wireworms: Wireworms are beetles in the larval stage that eat the roots of the plant. To manage these pests, it is best to rotate crops and avoid planting in areas where wireworms are known to be present. Also, use insecticide such as neonicotinoids.
Cutworms: Cutworms are another pest that can cause damage to dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii. These larvae cut the stems of the plant, causing them to fall over. To manage cutworms, use insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Preventing and managing these diseases and pests are critical to the health of Dichanthelium acuminatum var. thurowii. Regular monitoring of the plants and early detection of any issues are key to keeping them healthy and productive.