Digitaria didactyla Willd.
Digitaria didactyla Willd., commonly known as Argentine fingergrass, is a species of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. The plant is native to South America and typically found in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.
Appearance
Argentine fingergrass is a densely tufted perennial grass that can grow up to 1 meter high. The stem is slender, branching, and often bent at the nodes. The leaves are elongated and narrow, measuring up to 25 cm long and 8 mm wide. The inflorescence is a panicle that can measure up to 20 cm long and is composed of spikelets that are arranged in two rows.
Common Names
Argentine fingergrass is also known by several common names, including giant fingergrass, broadleaf fingergrass, and broadleaf crabgrass.
Uses
Argentine fingergrass has a wide range of uses. In agriculture, it is used as a forage crop for cattle and other livestock. The plant is also used to prevent soil erosion and is tolerant of poor soil conditions. In addition, the plant has medicinal properties and is used for treating various ailments such as fever, dysentery, and bronchitis.
Furthermore, Argentine fingergrass is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatism and arthritis. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The plant is also used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive appearance, ease of cultivation, and tolerance of drought and high temperatures.
Growth Conditions for Digitaria didactyla Willd.
Light: Digitaria didactyla Willd. needs a lot of sunlight to grow well. It prefers full sun exposure and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Inadequate exposure to sunlight will lead to stunted growth and reduced yield.
Temperature: Digitaria didactyla Willd. can grow in a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in warm weather conditions with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C can be detrimental to its growth and development.
Soil: The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained soils with a pH ranging from neutral to mildly acidic (6.0-7.0). It can also grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils with good organic matter content. It does not tolerate waterlogged soils, as it can lead to root rot, and affect its overall growth and yield.
Moisture: The plant requires adequate moisture to grow but does not tolerate overwatering. It needs an average annual rainfall of 800 mm for optimal growth. However, it can tolerate up to 1500 mm of rainfall as long as the soil is well-drained. Inadequate moisture can lead to stunted growth, while excessive moisture can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization: Digitaria didactyla Willd. can benefit from the application of organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and other natural sources of nutrients. Commonly used synthetic fertilizers can also provide the required nutrients to support its growth and development. It is essential to conduct a soil test to determine what the plant needs before fertilizing.
By providing these growth conditions, optimum growth and yield can be attained for Digitaria didactyla Willd.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria didactyla Willd. is a warm-season grass that requires full sunlight for growth. It thrives in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The best time to cultivate is during the late spring or early summer season after the last frost. If you live in a colder region, start cultivating indoors and transplanting once the frost ends.
Watering Needs
Digitaria didactyla Willd. requires regular watering during the growing season. Water the grass once or twice a week, depending on the temperature and humidity level. Water it deeply to encourage deep root growth. However, avoid over watering as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth, provide adequate nutrients by fertilizing the Digitaria didactyla Willd. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize during the growing season, once every six to eight weeks. Use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid fertilizer burn. Too much fertilizer can also lead to grass burn.
Pruning
Prune or mow the Digitaria didactyla Willd. regularly to keep it healthy and looking great. Pruning promotes denser growth, which leads to a healthier appearance. Mow the grass to a height of 2 to 3 inches every two weeks during the growing season. Use a sharp blade to avoid damaging the grass.
Propagation of Digitaria didactyla Willd.
Digitaria didactyla Willd. is a warm-season grass that is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The grass is commonly known as blue couchgrass or blue devilgrass and is often used as a lawn grass because of its fine texture and low growing habit.
Propagation Methods
Digitaria didactyla Willd. can be propagated by several methods.
Seeds
The grass produces seeds that can be collected and used for propagation. The seeds should be collected when they are fully matured and have turned brown. The seeds can be sown directly in the field or nursery beds.
Division
Digitaria didactyla Willd. can also be propagated through division. The grass forms a dense mat of roots and can be divided into smaller clumps. Each clump should have a few shoots and a good root system. The divisions can be planted in well-prepared soil.
Sprigs
Another propagation method is through sprigs or stolons. The grass sends out runners that can be cut and planted in the soil. The sprigs should be planted at a shallow depth and kept moist until they develop roots.
Propagation of Digitaria didactyla Willd. is relatively easy, and the grass can be established quickly with proper care and management.
Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria didactyla Willd.
Digitaria didactyla Willd. is a tough and hardy grass species that can handle a wide range of environmental conditions. However, like any other plant, it can also be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common problems that affect D. didactyla and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: This is the most common disease in D. didactyla, caused by the fungus Cercospora digitata. It affects the blades, causing small, circular spots that turn brown, and finally wither. To manage this disease, you can apply fungicides, improve drainage, and air circulation, and avoid over-fertilizing or over-watering the plant.
Anthracnose: Caused by the fungus Colletotrichum graminicola, this disease can lead to stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of the grass. It also causes oval-shaped spots or lesions that turn purplish-black. To prevent anthracnose, avoid overcrowding, improve soil fertility, and use resistant cultivars of D. didactyla. If the disease occurs, use fungicides, and cut the affected part of the plant to prevent further spread.
Common Pests
Armyworms: The larvae of Spodoptera spp. can cause huge damage to D. didactyla by consuming the blades, as well as the stems, and inflorescence. Armyworm infestations can be managed through the application of insecticides and biological control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis or parasitic wasp species.
Black Cutworms: Cutworms from Agrotis spp. can also be a severe pest for D. didactyla. These pests chew the newly emerged blades, often resulting in bare patches of soil. To control black cutworms, you may use insecticides and other measures such as crop rotation, tillage management, or pheromone traps.
By monitoring the plant regularly and taking timely action, you can effectively prevent and manage the diseases and pests affecting the D. didactyla plant.
