Overview of Digitaria chinensis
Digitaria chinensis, also known as Chinese Crabgrass or Asian Finger Grass, is a warm-season annual grass that is native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Oceania. This plant has become an invasive species in many countries, including the United States and Australia, due to its fast growth rate and adaptability to different soil conditions and climates.
General Appearance
Digitaria chinensis has an erect and cylindrical stem that can grow up to 1 meter in height. Its leaves are flat, narrow, and up to 15 cm long. The inflorescence of this grass is a panicle up to 30 cm in length, composed of numerous branches that bear spikelets. The spikelets are brownish and have 3-7 florets each.
Common Uses
In many Asian countries, Digitaria chinensis is used as a forage crop for livestock, as it has high nutritional value and is palatable to animals. It is also used as a green manure crop to improve soil fertility, as it can fix atmospheric nitrogen in its roots and release it into the soil. Additionally, this grass is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including inflammation, fever, and diarrhea. Some studies have also shown that Digitaria chinensis has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which may have potential applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Despite its uses, it is important to note that Digitaria chinensis is considered a noxious weed in many countries and can outcompete native plant species, negatively impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services. Therefore, it is recommended to control its spread and growth through mechanical and chemical means, before it becomes a larger problem.
Light Requirements
Digitaria chinensis typically thrives in full sun to partial shade, meaning they require at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. However, in hotter climates, they will benefit from a little bit of shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria chinensis can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They can grow in both tropical and subtropical regions and can withstand temperatures as low as 15°F and as high as 110°F. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 75°F and 85°F.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria chinensis thrives in well-draining soils. They can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, they prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
It is important to note that Digitaria chinensis can also tolerate poor soils and soils with low fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria chinensis or the Chinese crabgrass is a warm-season grass that grows well in USDA zones 5 to 10. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate drought and heat, making it an excellent choice for arid regions. It is best grown from seeds, and the optimal time for planting is early to mid-spring, after the frost has passed. It requires full sunlight exposure, so choose an open and sunny location for planting. Plant the seeds in rows or broadcast them and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate and the grass establishes, which should take about two to three weeks.
Watering Needs
Digitaria chinensis requires moderate watering during its growth period. Water it once a week, providing enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about six inches. It is best to water the grass early in the morning to allow adequate time for the soil to dry before nightfall. Overwatering can lead to shallow rooting, which can make the grass vulnerable to pests and diseases. On the other hand, lack of water can lead to dry, yellow, or brown spots on the grass blades.
Fertilization
Digitaria chinensis requires regular feeding to maintain its lush green color and promote healthy growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium three times a year, in early spring, mid-summer, and early fall. Use a spreader to ensure even distribution of the fertilizer. Avoid using too much fertilizer as it can burn the grass roots and lead to yellowing of the grass blades.
Pruning
Digitaria chinensis requires minimal pruning as it is a low-growing grass. However, mow the grass regularly to keep it neat and prevent it from becoming too tall and leggy. Set the mower blades to a height of about 1 to 2 inches and mow the grass once every seven to ten days, depending on the growth rate. Avoid mowing the grass too low as it can expose the roots to sunlight, causing them to dry out. Also, remove any weeds that may grow in the grass to prevent them from competing for nutrients and water.
Propagation of Digitaria chinensis (Nees) A. Camus
Digitaria chinensis (Nees) A. Camus, commonly known as Chinese crabgrass, is a warm-season annual or short-lived perennial plant that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Asia, but it has spread to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.
Propagation methods
There are mainly two ways to propagate Digitaria chinensis:
- Seed propagation: This is the most common method of propagating the plant. The seeds are produced in large quantities and are easily dispersed. The best time to sow the seeds in the ground is in the spring or early summer when the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F. The seeds can be broadcast or drilled into the soil at a depth of ¼ inch. They will germinate within 5 - 10 days.
- Vegetative propagation: This method involves the use of stem cuttings or rhizome division to produce new plants. Stem cuttings can be taken in early spring or late summer when the plants are actively growing. The cuttings should be 3 - 4 inches long and should be planted in moist soil. Rhizome division involves separating the underground stems of the plant and planting them in new locations. This method is best done in the spring when the plants are just starting to grow.
Overall, Digitaria chinensis is a relatively easy plant to propagate. The seeds can produce many new plants, and the vegetative methods are straightforward. With proper care, the plant will grow well and produce an abundant crop.
Disease Management
Digitaria chinensis is susceptible to various diseases that could drastically impact its growth and yield. Some of these diseases include:
- Fusarium wilt: This disease is caused by fungi, which infect the plant's vascular system, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To manage this disease, cultural control measures such as crop rotation, using pathogen-free seeds, and avoiding overly wet environments can be implemented.
- Brown spot: This disease is caused by a fungus that causes dark brown lesions on the plant's leaves. To control the spread of this disease, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used on severely affected plants
- Sclerotinia rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that affects the plant's roots and stems, causing white fluffy growth and decay. Controlling this disease involves good field sanitation, avoiding overwatering, and using well-draining soils.
Pest Management
Digitaria chinensis is also vulnerable to pests that could cause significant damage if not promptly managed. Some common pests that affect the plant include:
- Grasshoppers: These pests feed on the plant's leaves, stunting its growth, and affecting its yield. To control the spread of these pests, use of chemical and/or biological control methods such as insecticides or introducing natural predators like birds can be helpful.
- Aphids: These pests suck sap from the plant, weakening it, and making it vulnerable to other diseases. To manage these pests, regular scouting of crops, use of insecticides, and release of beneficial predators such as ladybugs should be implemented.
- Mites: These pests cause leaf yellowing and leaf drop, seriously impacting the plant's growth. To control the spread of these pests, use of insecticides or releasing natural predators can be effective.
It is essential to note that prevention is always better than cure. Regularly inspecting the plants, maintaining proper sanitation, and using good cultural practices can help keep diseases and pests at bay.
