Origin
Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler subsp. chrysoblephara (Fig. & De Not.) S.T.Blake, commonly known as 'Finger-grass,' is a perennial plant native to much of the world's tropical and subtropical regions, including Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by many names, including Southern crabgrass, Indian doab, and Australian finger-grass. In some regions, it is also referred to as cotton panic or small crabgrass.
Uses
Finger-grass serves as an important forage for livestock, particularly for cattle and sheep. It is also an important component of lawns, golf courses, and other recreational spaces. The plant is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, making it a valuable nutritional source for humans and livestock alike.
General Appearance
The plant possesses a robust root system that allows it to thrive in harsh environmental conditions, including drought and poor soil quality. The stems of the plant grow upright and can reach heights of up to three feet. The leaves of the plant are narrow and pointed, and the seed heads are spike-like and often resemble the fingers of a hand. The plant's seeds are small, ovoid, and vary in color from yellow to brown.
hereLight Requirements
Digitaria ciliaris subsp. chrysoblephara typically thrives in areas that receive full sun to partial shade. It prefers an area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight, but too much direct sunlight may stress the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria ciliaris subsp. chrysoblephara is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows best in temperatures between 20 to 30°C. It can tolerate colder temperatures to some extent, but frost can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is enriched with organic matter. It prefers loamy soils with neutral pH levels. The soil should not be too dry or too wet. If the soil is too wet, it can result in root rot, and if it is too dry, the plant may wilt.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria ciliaris subsp. chrysoblephara is a warm-season grass that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure to grow at its optimum. It can be grown through seeds or vegetative propagation.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering to flourish. It should be watered when the soil dries out to a depth of one to two inches. However, it is essential to avoid waterlogging as it can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to provide nutrients to the plant and improve its growth. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 16-4-8 should be applied during the growing season. However, excessive fertilizer application should be avoided as it can cause the plant to become excessively lush, making it vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning of Digitaria ciliaris subsp. chrysoblephara is not necessary. However, it is advisable to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged foliage to maintain the plant's health and appearance.
Propagation of Digitaria ciliaris subsp. chrysoblephara
Digitaria ciliaris subsp. chrysoblephara is a warm-season grass that can be propagated by seed or vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Digitaria ciliaris subsp. chrysoblephara can be sown directly into the soil during the spring or early summer when the soil temperature reaches 60°F. The seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep and spaced 6-8 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-14 days.
If starting from seed indoors, sow the seeds in pots or trays and keep them in a warm, sunny location. The seedlings should be transplanted outside once they have reached a height of 2-3 inches and the soil has warmed up.
Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria ciliaris subsp. chrysoblephara can also be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings or division.
To propagate by stem cuttings, take a 2-3 inch cutting from an established plant and plant it into a moist growing medium. Keep the cutting warm and moist until new shoots appear, then transplant the new plant into the ground or a larger pot.
To propagate by division, dig up an established plant and carefully separate the roots and stolons into smaller sections. Plant each section into its own pot or directly into the ground. Water well until the new plants become established.
Disease Management
Digitaria ciliaris subsp. chrysoblephara, also known as the Southern crabgrass, is susceptible to various diseases like:
- Leaf spot diseases caused by Colletotrichum spp. and Drechslera spp.
- Root rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina.
- Virus diseases such as Digitaria ciliaris streak virus.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to follow some preventive measures such as:
- Regularly inspecting the plants to identify any signs of disease.
- Removing and destroying diseased plant parts like leaves, stem, etc.
- Preventing mechanical injury to plants as it facilitates the entry of pathogens.
- Avoiding dry conditions as the pathogens thrive in such conditions.
- Ensuring proper drainage and aeration of soil to reduce the chances of root rot.
- Use of resistant or tolerant cultivars when possible.
Pest Management
Digitaria ciliaris subsp. chrysoblephara is also prone to various pests attack, like:
- Armyworms, which feed on leaves and stems.
- Cutworms, which cut the stem at the base of the plant.
- Sod Webworms, which feed on leaves and cause irregular patchy appearance of turfgrass.
- Chinch bugs, which sucks plant sap and cause yellowing of leaves and wilt.
To prevent and control pest infestations, some management methods are:
- Regularly monitoring the plants to detect any signs of infestation.
- Applying insecticides when the pest population is high.
- Introducing natural enemies like parasitoids, predators, and pathogens.
- Follow cultural practices that create an unfavorable environment for pests, like proper irrigation and fertilization.
- Use of pest-resistant cultivars when possible.
