Overview
Digitaria diagonalis (Nees) Stapf var. uniglumis (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pilg., commonly known as the ribbon grass, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Appearance
The ribbon grass is a tufted grass that can grow up to 1.5 m tall. The plant has erect culms and long, narrow leaves that are about 30 cm in length and 1 cm in width. The inflorescence of the plant is a compact panicle, and the spikelets are arranged alternately along the branches of the panicle. The spikelets are small and only have one fertile floret.
Common Names
The ribbon grass is known by various common names, including the one-sided finger grass, single-glume finger grass, maiden grass, and blanketgrass.
Uses
The ribbon grass is a long-lived perennial that is primarily used for forage production. It provides good-quality fodder for livestock, and research has shown that it can be used for silage production. The plant has deep roots that allow it to tolerate drought and waterlogging. Additionally, the ribbon grass is used in erosion control and revegetation projects due to its ability to stabilize soil and prevent soil erosion.
Light Requirements
Digitaria diagonalis var. uniglumis prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. Insufficient lighting may lead to stunted growth and decreased flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in warm weather. The optimum temperature range for Digitaria diagonalis var. uniglumis growth is 25-35°C. It is capable of withstanding frost but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Digitaria diagonalis var. uniglumis must be well-draining and fertile. Sandy loam soil or clayey soil with good drainage is ideal for this plant. The pH level of the soil should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. This plant is tolerant of dry soils but requires regular watering for optimal growth.
Cultivation
Digitaria diagonalis (Nees) Stapf var. uniglumis (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Pilg., also known as Diagonal Fingergrass, is a species of creeping, warm-season grass that is native to Africa. It is relatively easy to cultivate and grows well in full sun or partial shade. The plant can be propagated by seed or by dividing established clumps, and it does best in well-drained soil.
Watering
The watering needs of Diagonal Fingergrass depend on the climate and soil conditions where it is grown. It prefers moderate to high levels of moisture, but it is drought-tolerant once established. As a general guideline, the plant should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the topsoil to dry out slightly between irrigations. Overwatering can cause root rot or fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Diagonal Fingergrass is usually not necessary if the plant is grown in nutrient-rich soil. However, if the soil is poor or the plant shows signs of undernourishment, a slow-release fertilizer with balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) ratios can be applied in early spring. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.
Pruning
Pruning Diagonal Fingergrass is not typically required, as the plant has a naturally tidy appearance and only grows to a height of 12-18 inches. However, if the plant becomes shaggy or overgrown, it can be mowed down to a height of 6-8 inches in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth. Avoid cutting the plant too short, as it can damage the roots and stunt growth.
Propagation of Digitaria diagonalis var. uniglumis
Digitaria diagonalis var. uniglumis is commonly propagated through seed. However, it can also be propagated through vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Digitaria diagonalis var. uniglumis is through seed. The seeds should be collected from the plant when they are ripe, usually in the fall. They can be sown immediately in the field or stored for later use. Before planting, the seeds should be treated with a fungicide to prevent fungal diseases from affecting the germinating seedlings. Seeds should be sown in well-prepared seedbeds, by broadcasting or drilling. Water as needed and thin out seedlings to the desired spacing.
Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria diagonalis var. uniglumis can also be propagated vegetatively through rhizome or stem cuttings. Rhizomes should be collected from mature plants and planted at a depth of about 2-3 cm in a well-prepared seedbed. Stem cuttings should be taken from actively growing stems, placed in a rooting hormone, and planted in a well-prepared seedbed. Water regularly until new growth appears.
It's worth noting that vegetative propagation can be more complicated and less reliable than seed propagation. It may also be more difficult for researchers to study plant populations propagated through vegetation as they will likely exhibit a decreased genetic diversity.
Disease Management
Digitaria diagonalis var. uniglumis is susceptible to several diseases that can stunt or even kill the plant. Here are some of the most common diseases and their management strategies:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, round, dark spots on the leaves. The spots can eventually merge and cause the leaves to yellow and die. To manage leaf spot, it is important to maintain good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Additionally, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Colletotrichum Leaf Blight
Colletotrichum leaf blight is another fungal disease that causes brownish-black oval lesions on the leaves. The lesions can expand and cause the leaves to wither and die. To manage this disease, infected parts should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can be used to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Digitaria diagonalis var. uniglumis is also vulnerable to several pests that can harm or kill the plant. Here are some of the most common pests and their management strategies:
Cutworms
Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stems and leaves of the plant, cutting through them at the soil level. To manage cutworms, it is important to remove plant debris and weeds from the area, as they provide habitat for the pests. Additionally, applying insecticides or using biological control methods, such as nematodes, can be effective.
Mites
Mites are tiny pests that damage the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wither. To manage mites, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene and avoid over-fertilization. Additionally, applying insecticides or using biological control methods, such as predatory mites, can be effective in controlling mite populations.
