Digitaria Argyrotricha (andersson) Chiov.

Digitaria argyrotricha (Andersson) Chiov.

Digitaria argyrotricha, also known by its common name, silver crabgrass, is a species of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family.

Origin

The plant is native to South Africa and can be found at high elevations in Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. It has been introduced and naturalized in other parts of the world, including Asia, Australia, North America, and Europe.

Common Names

Common names for Digitaria argyrotricha include silver crabgrass, silver fingergrass, silver ribbon grass, and silver grass.

Uses

Digitaria argyrotricha is often used as an ornamental grass because of its striking appearance. The plant has long, narrow leaves that are silvery-blue in color, and it produces delicate flower spikes in the summer. It is a popular choice for landscaping and can be grown in containers or as a ground cover.

Digitaria argyrotricha also has some medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The roots and leaves have been used to treat urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and headaches.

General Appearance

Digitaria argyrotricha is a perennial grass that can grow up to 50 cm tall. The leaves are linear and can grow up to 30 cm in length and 1 cm in width. They are usually a bluish-green color and have a silky texture. The flower spikes are branched and can reach up to 25 cm in length. They are often a pinkish-purple color and bloom from summer to fall.

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Light Requirements

Digitaria argyrotricha typically grows in areas with full sunlight exposure. It can tolerate partial shade, but growth and development may be stunted in shaded environments.

Temperature Requirements

Digitaria argyrotricha is a warm-season grass species that thrives in temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C (77 to 95°F). It cannot withstand frost or cold temperatures, which can lead to a decline in growth or even death of the plant.

Soil Requirements

Digitaria argyrotricha prefers well-draining soils with moderate to high fertility levels. It can grow in a range of soil textures from sandy to clay, but it requires adequate moisture levels for optimal growth and development. Soil pH should be maintained between 5.5 to 7.5 for good growth and development.

Cultivation

The Digitaria argyrotricha plant requires well-drained soil and full sunlight exposure. It can grow well in sandy loam to heavy clay soils with a pH range between 5.0 to 7.0. The plant needs to be grown outdoors in tropical or subtropical regions as it cannot tolerate frost.

Watering Needs

The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is crucial to avoid waterlogging.

Fertilization

Digitaria argyrotricha requires regular fertilizing to maintain optimum growth. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer can be applied every three months. The fertilizer should be applied to moist soil around the plant's base, followed by watering.

Pruning

The plant does not require extensive pruning, but it is preferable to trim the tips of the plant to encourage fuller growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Pruning can be done at any time, and the trimmed parts can be removed from the plant's base gently.

Propagation of Digitaria argyrotricha

Digitaria argyrotricha can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.

Sexual Propagation

The plant produces seeds that can be used for propagation. The seeds usually mature in 2-3 months after flowering. The seeds can be collected and sown in the soil at a temperature range of 22-25°C. However, seeds have a low germination rate and require special care to improve rates.

Asexual Propagation

The best method for asexual propagation of Digitaria argyrotricha is by division. The plant forms a clump, and it can be divided by digging up the mother plant and carefully separating the clumps. Each division must have a shoot with roots attached to it. These divisions can then be planted in new soil and regularly watered till they establish well.

Another asexual propagation method is through stem cutting. Stem cuttings of 4-6 inches can be taken from actively growing plants early in the morning and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in soil mix

Disease Management

Digitaria argyrotricha is susceptible to various fungal diseases such as anthracnose, leaf spot, and smut. To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good cultural practices such as removing infected plant debris, avoiding overhead irrigation, and promoting good air circulation. Fungicides including copper-based fungicides and triazoles can also be used to control fungal diseases.

Pest Management

Common pests that can affect Digitaria argyrotricha include armyworms and chinch bugs. These pests can be managed by using integrated pest management techniques such as cultural practices, biological control, and insecticides. Cultural practices like regular mowing and removing plant debris can reduce pest populations. Biological control can involve introducing natural predators like parasitic wasps and nematodes to control pest populations. Insecticides including pyrethroids and neonicotinoids can also be used to manage pest populations.