Origin and Common Names
Digitaria complanata Goetgh. is a species of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is a warm-season annual plant that is indigenous to several parts of Africa, including Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The species is commonly called Broadleaf crabgrass, Prostrate crabgrass, flatgrass or Tropical crabgrass.
Uses
Digitaria complanata Goetgh. has several uses, such as fodder, forage, and soil conservation. The plant is very suitable for cut-and-carry systems because it has tender leaves and young stems that are easily eaten by livestock. The plant also provides good ground cover and helps minimize soil erosion as it forms a mat-like cover over the soil surface.
General Appearance
Digitaria complanata Goetgh. is a prostrate or decumbent plant with a cylindrical stem that may grow up to 1 meter long. The leaves are simple, alternate, and arranged in two rows along the stem. The leaf blades are broad, and the apex is acuminate. The arrangement of the inflorescence is a panicle, with bracts below each branch. The spikelets of the flowers are compressed, and the bur-like structures are arranged densely along the branches of the inflorescence, giving the plant its common name, "Broadleaf crabgrass."
Light Requirements
The plant Digitaria complanata Goetgh. requires bright sunlight to grow. It can tolerate partial shade but does best in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in warm temperatures around 25-35°C. It cannot tolerate frost and will die in temperatures below freezing.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria complanata Goetgh. prefers well-draining, loose soil that has a neutral pH between 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate variations in soil quality but struggles in compacted soils with poor drainage. It benefits from regular fertilizing with nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
Cultivation methods
Digitaria complanata Goetgh, commonly known as Broadleaf crabgrass, grows well in full sun and can also tolerate partial shade. This plant prefers well-drained soil and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.6. It grows well in areas with sufficient moisture and warm temperatures. It can be grown from seeds or by transplanting. Ensure that the seeds are sowed at a depth of about ¼ inches and cover them with some soil. Transplant only after the seedlings have developed strong roots.
Watering needs
Digitaria complanata requires regular watering, especially during dry and hot weather conditions. However, this plant can also tolerate drought conditions. Ensure that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged, as it can result in root rot. Water the plant deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilization
The Broadleaf crabgrass does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, if you want to enhance its growth, you can apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant and water it in afterward. Additionally, you can topdress the plant with compost to enrich the soil with organic matter.
Pruning
As a grass plant, pruning is not necessary. However, you can cut the plant back if it grows too tall or untidy. Also, you can mow the plant down after it has gone dormant in winter to reduce its size.
Propagation of Digitaria Complanata
Digitaria complanata can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed propagation:
Seeds of Digitaria complanata can be collected from mature plants and sown in a suitable growing medium. The seeds should be sown in shallow drills and covered lightly with soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist and warm.
Vegetative propagation:
Digitaria complanata can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy mature plants and planted in a growing medium. They should be watered regularly and kept in a warm environment until roots form.
The plant can also be propagated through division, where the plant is divided into smaller sections that are replanted into individual growing containers. Care should be taken to ensure that each section has enough roots to support new growth.
Tissue culture:
Tissue culture is another propagation method that can be used for Digitaria complanata. This method involves taking small portions of the plant tissue and developing them into new plants in a sterile laboratory environment. Tissue culture is a useful propagation method because it allows for large numbers of plantlets to be produced in a short amount of time.
The choice of propagation method may depend on factors such as time, resources and environmental conditions. Successful propagation of Digitaria complanata can lead to a healthy and abundant crop for use in a variety of agricultural and landscaping applications.
Disease Management
Digitaria complanata is commonly affected by fungal and viral diseases. The most prominent fungal diseases include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust. These diseases can cause extensive damage to the foliage and reduced yields. In addition, viral diseases like mosaic virus can result in stunted growth and reduced vigor.
To manage fungal diseases, farmers are advised to practice proper crop rotation and maintain a clean planting environment. Fungicide applications may also be necessary in severe cases. Similarly, viral diseases can be managed by planting resistant cultivars and controlling insect vectors.
Pest Management
Several pests can damage Digitaria complanata, causing significant yield losses. The most common pests include grasshoppers, armyworms, and cutworms. These insects feed on the foliage, causing extensive damage and reducing the overall quality of the crop.
Farmers can manage these pests through the use of insecticides and other cultural practices. For instance, crop rotation can interrupt the pest's life cycle, reduce pest populations, and limit pest damage. Additionally, maintaining a clean planting environment can help lower pest populations and decrease the need for insecticide applications.
