Overview
Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler subsp. nubica (Stapf) S.T.Blake is a member of the Poaceae family. It is an annual grass that is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. It has several common names, including southern crabgrass, tropical crabgrass, and summer grass.
Physical Description
Digitaria ciliaris can grow up to 60 cm in height and has a fibrous root system. It has flat, narrow, and hairy leaves that are typically 2-15 cm long and 2-10 mm wide. The grass' inflorescence is a digitate panicle that is 5-20 cm long with short branches. The spikelets are small, have one fertile floret, and are about 2 mm long. The plant's seeds are small, ovoid, and have a length of around 1-2 mm.
Origin
Digitaria ciliaris is native to Africa. It has now been introduced to many regions, including North and South America, and Asia. It thrives in warm, humid climates and is commonly found in disturbed habitats such as gardens, pastures, roadsides, and abandoned fields.
Uses
Digitaria ciliaris has some medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine in several countries to treat various ailments. It has also been used for grazing, haymaking, and as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion. However, it is considered a weed in many areas because it can be invasive and compete with other desirable plants for nutrients and space.
hereLight Requirements
Digitaria ciliaris subsp. nubica typically thrives in areas with ample sunlight. It requires about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and develop its foliage properly. Thus, it is essential to plant the seeds in an area where this requirement can be met.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria ciliaris subsp. nubica grows well in warm and tropical climate conditions, with a temperature range of 20°C to 35°C. It cannot survive in areas with extremely cold temperatures or frost. It grows best in areas where the temperature is relatively consistent throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria ciliaris subsp. nubica grows well in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The pH level of the soil should be moderately acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It also requires fertile soil that is well-drained and holds moisture. However, it can tolerate occasional periods of drought.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler subsp. nubica (Stapf) S.T.Blake thrives in full sunlight and requires warm temperatures to grow. It can be cultivated in a wide range of soils, ranging from sandy soils to clay soils. This plant prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of drought conditions once established.
Watering Needs
It is essential to keep the soil moist during the early stages of growth. Once established, the plant can tolerate drought conditions. However, it requires regular watering during extended periods of drought to avoid wilting and death. Watering should be done early in the morning to minimize moisture loss from evaporation and fungal infections.
Fertilization
Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler subsp. nubica (Stapf) S.T.Blake requires regular fertilization to grow healthy and maintain a lush green appearance. The plant requires adequate nitrogen to thrive, and nitrogen-based fertilizers or organic manure should be applied every two to three months during the growing season. In addition, phosphate and potassium-based fertilizers can be applied to encourage root development and enhance plant vigor.
Pruning
The plant does not require pruning, but it is advisable to remove any dead or diseased foliage as soon as possible. This helps to prevent the spread of diseases and also encourages the plant to channel nutrients towards healthier parts of the plant. The plant may also be cut back to encourage bushier growth during the growing season.
Propagation of Digitaria ciliaris subsp. nubica
Digitaria ciliaris subsp. nubica, commonly known as the Nubian finger grass, is a warm-season grass that is native to Africa but has also spread to other parts of the world. It can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation of Digitaria ciliaris subsp. nubica involves the use of seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature plants and then sown directly into the soil. It is best to sow the seeds during the late spring to early summer when the temperature is warm enough to support their germination. Before sowing, the seeds should be cleaned and scarified to enhance their germination.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Digitaria ciliaris subsp. nubica involves the use of vegetative parts like rhizomes, stolons, and tillers. Rhizomes and stolons can be collected from mature plants and then cut into small pieces before being planted into the soil. Care must be taken to ensure that the planting depth is not too deep to avoid rotting. Tillers can also be uprooted from mature plants and then re-planted in the soil.
In summary, Digitaria ciliaris subsp. nubica can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. Seeds can be directly sown into the soil while vegetative parts can be used for asexual propagation.
Disease Management
Digitaria ciliaris is susceptible to several diseases. The most common diseases affecting this plant include leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Leaf spot manifests as small, circular brown spots on the leaves. Rust produces yellow-orange lesions on the leaves, while powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. These diseases can cause stunted growth, reduced yield, and plant death. To manage these diseases, it is important to apply fungicides regularly. Additionally, maintaining proper plant spacing, removing infected plant debris, and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent the spread of disease.
Pest Management
Digitaria ciliaris is also vulnerable to attacks from various pests. The most common pests that affect this plant include grasshoppers, cutworms, and armyworms. These pests can cause severe damage to the leaves, stems, and seeds. To manage these pests, it is important to use insecticides in a timely and appropriate manner. Additionally, practicing crop rotation, using physical barriers such as nets, and removing plant debris can help prevent pest infestations. Early detection and treatment of pest infestations can significantly reduce the damage and prevent economic losses.
