Digitaria Delicata Goetgh. Subsp. Recedens Scholz

Overview of Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz

Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz is a type of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is commonly known as Fine Fingergrass or Slender Crabgrass and is indigenous to South Africa, where it is found in open grasslands, disturbed areas, and cultivated fields.

Appearance of Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz

This grass is a summer annual that grows up to 50 cm in height. The stem is slender, and the leaves are soft and fine-textured, measuring 2-7 cm long and 1-3 mm wide. The inflorescence is a branching panicle that is nearly as long as the plant's height.

Uses of Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz

This grass is an important forage for livestock in South Africa, where it is highly palatable and has a high nutritive value. It is also used for soil conservation, erosion control, and in some cases, as a food source for people.

In traditional medicine, Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz has been used to treat various ailments such as stomach disorders, dysentery, and menstrual problems. It is believed to have antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Additionally, this grass is commonly used for landscaping due to its fine texture and attractive appearance as a ground cover.

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Light Requirements

Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may produce less vigorous growth and shorter internodes in lower light conditions.

Temperature Requirements

This plant thrives in warm conditions, with an ideal temperature range between 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can slow down or halt its growth, while temperatures above 35°C can cause heat stress and reduce the plant's overall health.

Soil Requirements

Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz prefers well-drained soils with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, sandy, or clay soils, as long as they are not waterlogged. Adequate soil moisture is crucial for healthy growth, but overwatering can lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases. Fertilization with a balanced fertilizer can help maintain its growth and vigor.

Cultivation Methods

Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz is a warm-season grass that thrives in a tropical and subtropical environment. It requires full sunlight to grow and must not be exposed to extreme cold. The soil must be well-draining, loamy, and nutrient-rich to ensure healthy growth. The best time to grow this grass is in the summer and early fall.

Watering Needs

This grass thrives in a moist environment, but overwatering can be detrimental to its growth. Water the grass once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil is saturated but not waterlogged. During the dry season, supplement the rainfall by watering the grass more frequently.

Fertilization

Fertilization is an important aspect of growing Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz. Apply a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium twice a year- in the spring and late summer. The fertilizer should be well-distributed on the soil and then watered to ensure that the nutrients penetrate the soil.

Pruning

Pruning is essential to maintain healthy growth and to limit the spread of this grass. Prune the grass during the growing season to remove any dead branches or foliage. Cut the grass down to a third of its height to encourage new growth and bushier foliage. Ensure that you use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the grass.

Propagation of Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz

Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz, commonly known as the Victoria grass or Slender Crabgrass, is commonly propagated through seeds. However, vegetative propagation is also possible by dividing the clumps of the plant or through stem cuttings.

Propagation through Seeds

Propagation through seeds is the most common method of propagating Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz. The seeds are usually sown in prepared seedbeds or directly in the field when the weather and soil conditions are favorable. The seeds are usually sowed at a depth of 1-2 cm and spaced about 10-15 cm apart. The seeds germinate in about 1-2 weeks, and the seedlings start to grow rapidly when they receive sufficient sunlight and moisture.

Vegetative Propagation by Division

Vegetative propagation through division is typically done during early spring. Clumps of the plant are lifted from the ground, and the roots are separated into smaller sections. The sections are then replanted in a well-prepared site with good soil quality. It is important to ensure that the plants receive sufficient water after planting to ensure successful establishment.

Propagation through Stem Cuttings

Propagation through stem cuttings is another vegetative propagation method that can be used for Digitaria delicata Goetgh. subsp. recedens Scholz. Stem cuttings are taken from healthy plants, and the basal ends are dipped in a rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in a well-prepared site, and they are kept moist until new growth is observed. Rooting usually occurs within 3-4 weeks, and once established, the plants can be transplanted to their final growing locations.

Disease management

Digitaria delicata subsp. recedens is susceptible to both fungal and bacterial pathogens. The most common diseases that affect the plant include leaf spot, gray mold, and rust.

To manage leaf spot and gray mold, it is essential to ensure proper air circulation around the plants. Remove any infected plants and debris from the area and dispose of them appropriately to prevent the spread of disease. Fungal diseases can be treated using fungicides. Apply fungicide early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid leaf burning issues.

Rust, on the other hand, can be managed by minimizing the humidity levels around the plants and providing adequate spacing between plants.

Pest management

The main pests that attack Digitaria delicata subsp. recedens include aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites.

Aphids can be easily controlled by using insecticidal soap or organic neem oil. In case of an infestation, spray the plant leaves with insecticide and prune off any heavily infested plant parts.

Caterpillars can be manually removed by handpicking or by spraying the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis. Provide adequate irrigation to ensure that the plant is healthy and can withstand any damage caused by the pest.

Spider mites are best controlled using a hose- end sprayer that can be attached to a garden hose. Ensure that you spray the plant top and bottom to ensure mites are completely eradicated. Also, keep the plants well-irrigated, remove the affected leaves, and prune the affected areas and dispose of them properly.