Overview
Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. is a plant species that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is commonly known as the slender-leaved crabgrass and is native to North America.
General Appearance
The slender-leaved crabgrass is an annual plant that typically grows up to 1-2 feet tall. It has a greenish-yellow color that fades to brown when mature. The leaves of this plant are long and narrow, measuring 5-15 cm in length and 2-6 mm in width. Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. produces flowers in clusters, which are usually green or purple in color, and they bloom during the summer months.
Uses
The slender-leaved crabgrass is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Some of the health benefits that it provides include antiseptic properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and relief from fevers. Additionally, the plant is used as animal forage due to its high nutritional value.
Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. is also cultivated as a lawn grass due to its dense growth and ability to withstand heavy traffic. It is often used for golf courses, parks, and other recreational areas because of its ability to grow in the shade.
Conclusion
The slender-leaved crabgrass is a versatile plant that provides several benefits. Its medicinal properties make it a useful plant in traditional medicine, and its high nutritional content makes it a valuable animal forage. Additionally, its dense growth and adaptability make it a popular choice for lawn grass in recreational areas.
Light Requirements
Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. typically grows in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile plant for a variety of growing conditions. In areas with hot summers, some shade protection can help the plant thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). It can tolerate higher temperatures but may require more watering to compensate for increased rates of transpiration. During the winter months, it is best to keep the plant in temperatures above 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, but does best in fertile soil. The plant requires some moisture but can handle short periods of drought once established.
Cultivation
The first step in cultivating Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. is to choose the right location. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-draining soil. It's recommended to plant Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. during spring or summer when the temperatures are warm. You can start from seed or transplants, depending on your preference.
When planting from seed, ensure you spread them evenly on the soil surface and cover them lightly with soil mix. It's essential to maintain consistent moisture in the soil throughout the germination period. As for transplanting, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and fill it with soil mix until level with the surrounding soil. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and set up a watering schedule based on the needs of your plant.
Watering Needs
Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. requires consistent moisture to thrive. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. You can establish a watering schedule based on the specific needs of the plant depending on the weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, you can increase the watering frequency to keep the soil moist. Watering should be done deeply at least once a week.
It's essential to watch for signs of overwatering, including yellowing and wilting of leaves and soggy soil. In such cases, reduce the watering frequency to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilization
Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. is not a heavy feeder, and fertilizer should be used sparingly. It's recommended to use organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen and mineral salts. You can apply a slow-release granular fertilizer to the soil around the plant during the growing season. Additional fertilization can be necessary when growing in poor soil conditions, and you can use a balanced fertilizer to boost growth.
It's recommended to avoid over-applying fertilizer as it can lead to excess growth and damage the plant. Watch for signs of yellowing leaves, decreased growth, and scorched tips, which can indicate fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. healthy and promote bushier growth. Pruning is done during spring, and it's essential to use sterile pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases. Remove any dead or diseased branches and cut back any overgrown areas to maintain the plant's shape.
Regular pruning also helps to prevent leggy growth and straggly branches. It's recommended to avoid drastic pruning, as this can shock the plant and hinder its growth.
Propagation of Digitaria dolichophylla Henr.
Propagation is an essential aspect of growing Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. This plant can be propagated in various ways, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and division.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. The plant produces seeds at the end of the growing season, which can be collected and stored for planting in the following spring. To propagate D. dolichophylla Henr. from seeds, prepare a seedbed by loosening the soil and adding compost or other organic matter to improve soil fertility. Place the seeds on the surface of the soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about two weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. can be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings. Take cuttings from mature plants, making sure that each cutting has at least two nodes. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a prepared seedbed or potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded area until they have established roots, which should take about four weeks.
Division
Division is a propagation method that involves separating the plant into two or more parts, each of which can grow into a new plant. To propagate Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. by division, dig up the entire plant and gently separate the root ball into two or more clumps. Replant each clump in a prepared seedbed or container, making sure to water thoroughly after planting.
Disease Management for Digitaria dolichophylla Henr.
Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf Spot: Caused by the fungus, Bipolaris sp., it causes elliptical, brown or grayish lesions on the leaves. Management involves removing the infected leaves, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying a fungicide recommended by an expert.
- Powdery Mildew: Caused by several fungi, it forms a white powdery coating on the leaves. Prune affected areas, increase air circulation, and apply a fungicide containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
- Root Rots: Caused by soil-borne fungi, it causes the roots of the plant to rot, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing. Management involves preventing overwatering, increasing soil drainage, and treating the soil with a fungicide recommended by a specialist.
Pest Management for Digitaria dolichophylla Henr.
Several types of pests can afflict Digitaria dolichophylla Henr. plants. Here are some common ones and how to manage them:
- Armyworms: These caterpillars can consume entire leaves or shoots, causing defoliation. Management involves handpicking them off the plant, and applying an insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Sod webworms: These caterpillars chew holes in the leaves of the plant, causing patches of damage. Management involves applying an insecticide recommended for the pest and watering the lawn regularly.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars cut through the stems of young plants, causing damage or death. Management involves cutting off the infected plant and applying an insecticide containing pyrethroids.
