Origin
Digitaria cognata (J.A. Schultes) Pilger var. pubiflora Vasey ex L.H. Dewey is a species of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to North America, specifically found from the Great Plains states stretching from Nebraska to Texas, and also in the Appalachian region.
Common Names
This grass species is commonly known as hairy crabgrass or pubescent crabgrass.
Uses
Hairy crabgrass is often considered a weed or nuisance for lawns and agricultural crops. However, it is not entirely useless. The plant is eaten by livestock and some wild animals, and it also has medicinal uses. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat skin irritations and infections. It contains high levels of antioxidants and is rich in vitamins A and C.
General Appearance
The plant has a characteristic appearance with the stem and leaves covered in fine hair, giving it a fuzzy texture. It typically grows up to 2-3 feet tall with leaves that are flat and green, while its inflorescence is a panicle that grows out from the top of the stem. The seeds are small and oval-shaped, with a brown or yellowish color.
hereGrowth Conditions of Digitaria cognata (J.A. Schultes) Pilger var. pubiflora Vasey ex L.H. Dewey
Light: Digitaria cognata var. pubiflora requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but prolonged periods of shade can lead to stunted growth and reduced productivity.
Temperature: This plant is native to warm climate regions, so it grows best in warm temperatures between 22°C to 32?. It can tolerate temperatures below 10?, but frost can damage the leaves and slow down growth.
Soil requirements: Digitaria cognata var. pubiflora can grow in a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 to 7.5, and it should be rich in organic matter and nutrients.
Water: This plant requires moderate water levels for optimal growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot and affect productivity. In contrast, under-watering can lead to stunted growth and reduce productivity.
Nutrients: Digitaria cognata var. pubiflora requires regular fertilization to maintain optimal growth rates. A balanced fertilizer with a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 nutrient ratio is ideal. The plant needs nitrogen-rich fertilizers to encourage leaf growth and promote a lush green appearance.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria cognata (J.A. Schultes) Pilger var. pubiflora Vasey ex L.H. Dewey grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Prepare the soil by removing any debris or weeds before planting. The ideal time to plant the seed is in the spring when the soil has warmed up enough to support plant growth.
Plant the seed in shallow rows, at a depth of around 1/8 inch, and cover with soil. Water the newly planted rows regularly until the plants become established. The seedlings should appear within two weeks after planting.
Watering Needs
Digitaria cognata (J.A. Schultes) Pilger var. pubiflora Vasey ex L.H. Dewey requires regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. It's essential to keep the soil moist but not wet to prevent root rot. When the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Deep watering once or twice a week is recommended over light and frequent watering.
Fertilization
Fertilizer application is crucial for the healthy growth of the species. For best results, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant and water it in. Avoid over-fertilization, which may result in excessive growth and poor-quality foliage.
Pruning
To maintain an attractive appearance and encourage new growth, prune as needed. Cut back any dead, damaged, or diseased branches with clean and sharp pruning shears. Thinning out any dense or overgrown areas will help promote better air circulation and light exposure, helping to prevent pest and disease problems. Prune during the dormant season, generally in late winter or early spring.
Propagation Methods of Digitaria cognata var. pubiflora
Digitaria cognata var. pubiflora is a warm-season grass that is commonly propagated by seeds or vegetative division.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Digitaria cognata var. pubiflora can be obtained from mature seed heads. Seeds should be harvested when they turn brown. To extract the seeds, the seed heads can be crushed and the chaff removed. The extracted seeds can then be stored in a cool and dry place until ready for use. Prior to sowing, seeds should be soaked for a few hours in warm water to hasten germination. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil, but it is advisable to start them indoors and transplant the seedlings outdoors once they have grown to a suitable size.
Propagation by Vegetative Division
Vegetative division is another method commonly used for propagating Digitaria cognata var. pubiflora. The best time for dividing the plant is during the spring season when new growth emerges. To divide the plant, the root ball should be carefully lifted from the soil and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one stem and an ample amount of roots. The divided sections can then be immediately transplanted into a prepared bed or container filled with well-draining soil. Newly divided sections should be watered regularly until they are well established.
Disease Management
Digitaria cognata is susceptible to various fungal diseases. Some of the most commonly-occurring diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: Symptoms include lesions on leaves and stems, which appear sunken and reddish-brown with yellow borders. Infected leaves may become distorted or curl upwards at the edges. Proper sanitation, removal and disposal of infected plant debris, and application of fungicides can help manage anthracnose.
- Brown Patch: This disease appears as tan or brown circular patches on the leaves, often with a darker border. It thrives in humid conditions, particularly in warm weather. Proper irrigation management and use of fungicides can help manage brown patch.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spots caused by the fungus Bipolaris spp. are common in Digitaria cognata. Infected plants have spots with brown borders and gray centers. Fungicides and proper sanitation practices can help control leaf spot.
Pest Management
Digitaria cognata is also prone to insect pests. Some of the most common pests that affect this plant include:
- Cutworms: These larvae feed on plant stems, causing them to wilt and die. Handpicking and use of insecticides can help control cutworm populations.
- Sod webworms: These pests consume leaf tissue, causing the leaves to appear notched or notched at the tips. Use of insecticides can help control sod webworm populations.
- Armyworms: These pests cause damage similar to sod webworms. They can be controlled through the use of insecticides.
Implementing strategies such as proper crop rotation and sanitation practices, as well as regular monitoring of plants, can help prevent and control infestations. It is crucial to identify these diseases and pests early to minimize their spread and the damage they may cause to the plant. Consultation with an experienced horticulturist can also be helpful for effective management of the identified problems.
