Digitaria Acrotricha (steud.) Roberty

Overview

Digitaria acrotricha, also known as Steud. Roberty, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Poaceae. The plant is native to Africa, specifically to the tropical areas of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.

Common Names

The plant is commonly known as the Finger Grass due to the finger-like shape of its inflorescence. In Zimbabwe, it is also called "mutohwe," which means "chicken feed," because the seeds are used as a source of food for chickens.

Appearance

The Digitaria acrotricha plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and has slender, erect stems. Its leaves are narrow and have a bluish-green color, with a length of 10-15 cm and a width of 2-3 mm. The plant produces finger-like inflorescences that can reach up to 20 cm in length and have numerous very small spikelets.

Uses

Digitaria acrotricha has various uses. In Zimbabwe, the plant is used as cattle feed due to its high protein content. The seeds are also collected for human consumption as they are rich in essential amino acids. In some African countries, the plant is used to make traditional medicines. Additionally, the plant is often grown as an ornamental grass due to its attractive appearance and ability to tolerate drought conditions.here

Light Requirements

Digitaria acrotricha (Steud.) Roberty is a sunlight-loving plant that requires full sun exposure for proper growth. Inadequate light might result in poor growth and yellowing of leaves.

Soil Requirements

Digitaria acrotricha (Steud.) Roberty generally thrives in well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant prefers fertile soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients.

Temperature Requirements

The optimum temperature range for growing Digitaria acrotricha (Steud.) Roberty is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant is sensitive to frost and requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. Temperatures below 10°C can be detrimental to the plant's growth, and temperatures above 35°C can result in wilting and reduced growth.

Cultivation

Digitaria acrotricha, also known as Smuts finger grass or Kleingrass, is a perennial warm-season grass that is native to South Africa. In cultivation, it requires full sunlight and a well-draining soil. The plant can be propagated using seeds or vegetative cuttings.

Watering needs

The watering needs of Digitaria acrotricha are relatively low, and the plant is drought-tolerant once established. However, during the establishment period, consistent soil moisture is necessary to ensure healthy growth. When watering, it is crucial to avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Digitaria acrotricha requires a balanced fertilizer to grow well. The plant benefits from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring, before new growth begins. Fertilizing again in the summer can provide an additional boost in growth. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding application rate and frequency to avoid over-fertilization.

Pruning

Digitaria acrotricha requires occasional pruning to keep it healthy and lush. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. The plant should be pruned to just above the ground level. Pruning produces fresh, new growth and promotes dense foliage.

Propagation of Digitaria acrotricha

Digitaria acrotricha (Steud.) Roberty, commonly known as the caracolito, is a perennial grass species native to South America. The plant is commonly used as a forage crop due to its high nutritional value and palatability. The grass is propagated in two main ways: sexual reproduction and vegetative propagation.

Sexual Reproduction

Digitaria acrotricha reproduces sexually through seed propagation. The seeds are usually sown during the rainy season when the soil is moist and warm. The seeds should be planted shallowly and covered with a thin layer of soil. Germination of the seeds typically takes 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have developed their second or third leaves, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.

Vegetative Propagation

Vegetative propagation is another method used to propagate Digitaria acrotricha. The grass can be propagated through stem cuttings or division of the plant. Stem cutting propagation involves taking stem cuttings from healthy plants and planting them in a growing medium. The cuttings should have at least two leaves and be planted shallowly in the soil. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings have rooted and developed leaves. Division of the plant involves dividing the clump of the grass into smaller sections. This is usually done during the early rainy season, when the soil is moist and warm. The divided sections should be planted immediately in well-prepared soil that is moist and fertile.

Disease management

Digitaria acrotricha is generally a robust and resistant plant that is not likely to suffer from many diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by some fungal diseases such as leaf spot and rusts.

The control of fungal diseases can be achieved by the use of fungicides that contain copper or other suitable active ingredients. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on dosage and timing of application. Additionally, the use of disease-resistant cultivars and good cultural practices will help to prevent infections.

Pest management

Digitaria acrotricha can be infested by various insect pests such as grasshoppers, aphids, and cutworms.

Aphids can be controlled by spraying the infested plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Grasshoppers and cutworms can be controlled by handpicking and removing the affected parts or by using insecticides that contain spinosad or other effective ingredients.

It is important to follow safety instructions when using any insecticides and to ensure that they are used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Regular monitoring of the plants and prompt intervention will help to limit the damage caused by pests.