Origin and Common Names
Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst, commonly known as the Southern crabgrass or tropical finger-grass, is a warm-season annual grass that is native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. It has spread widely across the world, including the Americas, where it often grows as a weed in lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields.
General Appearance
The plant has a spreading growth habit, with stems that can reach up to 3 feet long. Its leaves are long, narrow, and hairy, with rough edges that feel like sandpaper when touched. The leaves are dark green in color and grow up to 6 inches long. The plant produces seedheads that resemble fingers and can range in color from green to brown, with each seedhead containing 3-12 seeds.
Uses
While the Southern crabgrass is considered a weed, it does have some uses. It is often used in countries such as India, where it is native, as a fodder for livestock. The plant also has medicinal properties, with some cultures using it to treat ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and even snake bites. Additionally, the root of the plant has been used to make ropes and baskets.
Light Requirements
The plant Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst thrives in areas with full sun, where it can receive at least six hours of sun exposure per day.
Temperature Requirements
The growth of Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst is abundant when the temperature range is between 20-30°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C can interfere with it's growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst requires well-drained soils, with moderately fertile, acidic, and low pH (less than 7) soils. It can also tolerate saline and sandy soils. Proper soil management is crucial to maintain the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst can be grown either indoors or outdoors, and it prefers warm temperatures of around 80°F. It grows well in sandy soils and can tolerate drought conditions. The plant can be propagated through its seeds or by dividing its rootball.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During hot summers, the frequency of watering should be increased to prevent the soil from drying out completely. The plant may die if it is exposed to excessive waterlogging conditions.
Fertilization
Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst requires moderate fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer should be applied to the plant every two weeks during the growing season. However, over-fertilization may lead to excessive leaf growth while reducing the number of blooms.
Pruning
The plant requires minimal pruning, and the only pruning required is to remove dead and brown leaves. Pruning should not be done during fall and winter as it could damage the plant's growth. Additionally, pruning will help to stimulate fresh growth and promote the overall health of the plant.
Propagation of Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst
Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst, commonly known as the Southern crabgrass, is a warm-season perennial weed that is native to Africa. It is typically found in disturbed areas such as lawns, fields, gardens, and roadsides.
Propagation by Seed
The most common method of propagating Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst is through seeds. The plant produces numerous seeds that are small, brown, and oval-shaped. The seeds can be easily collected from mature plants in late summer or early fall.
Before planting the seeds, it is recommended to scarify them by scratching the seed coat with a sharp knife or sandpaper. This will help to break the hard outer layer and allow water and air to penetrate easily, promoting germination. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, lightly covered with soil, and watered thoroughly.
The optimal temperature range for germination is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days after sowing.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method is useful when it is difficult or impossible to obtain seeds.
To propagate through stem cuttings, select a healthy stem from a mature plant and cut a section of approximately 10-15 cm in length. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut-end in rooting hormone powder.
Insert the stem cutting into moist soil, burying the bottom half of the stem. Water the soil thoroughly and cover the cutting with clear plastic to maintain high humidity. Place the container in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Within two to four weeks, the cutting should start to develop new roots and leaves.
Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria Ciliaris Vanderyst Plant
The Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst plant can be affected by various diseases and pests that can affect its growth. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect this plant and some ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that displays as small brown spots on the leaves. This can be treated by removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides can be used to treat severe cases.
Smut is a fungal disease that causes black masses to form on the flowers and seeds, leading to decreased yield. Crop rotation and the use of resistant cultivars are effective methods to manage this disease. Chemical treatments may also be used.
Pests
Mites can cause damage to Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst plants by sucking out the sap from the leaves causing yellowing and defoliation. Effective management of mites involves the use of miticides, insecticidal soaps, and oils.
Cutworms are caterpillars that cut the stem of seedlings at ground level. They can be manually removed by handpicking them off the plant. Bacillus thuringiensis can also be used as a biological control.
Sod webworms feed on the leaves of the plant, which can lead to yellow patches and eventual death of the plant. It is recommended to use an insecticide to effectively manage sod webworm infestations.
By practicing proper sanitation, choosing resistant cultivars, and employing effective pest management techniques, the Digitaria ciliaris Vanderyst plant can thrive and grow into a healthy crop.
