Digitaria Eggersii (hack.) Henr. - Eggers' Crabgrass

Overview

Digitaria eggersii (Hack.) Henr. is a grass species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is commonly known as Egger's crabgrass or digitgrass.

Origin

The plant is native to Africa, but it has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, where it is considered an invasive species.

Common Names

Digitaria eggersii has several common names, which include Egger's crabgrass, digitgrass, Egger's dwarf fingergrass, and Egger's fingergrass.

Appearance

The plant is an annual grass that grows up to 12 inches tall. It has slender, green leaves that are about 2 inches long. The inflorescence is a digitate panicle, which means it is made up of several branches of flowers that are arranged along the central stem. The flowers are tiny and greenish-white, and they appear in late summer or early fall.

Uses

Digitaria eggersii has no known economic or medicinal uses. However, it can be used as forage for grazing livestock and wildlife, as it is a palatable grass. The plant is also used as ground cover in landscaping.

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Light Requirements

Digitaria eggersii requires full sun to grow properly. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and diminished flowering.

Temperature Requirements

This species of plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions; it therefore grows well in warm or hot climates. The optimal temperature range for growth and development is between 20°C to 35°C. Temperatures above 35°C or below 10°C can adversely affect growth and survival of the plant.

Soil Requirements

Digitaria eggersii grows best in well-drained soils with a moderate nutrient content. A pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal. Excessive moisture and poorly drained soils can lead to root rot and other diseases. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil before planting to improve soil fertility and water retention.

Cultivation Methods

Digitaria eggersii, commonly known as Eggers' crabgrass, is a warm-season grass that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be grown in full sun or light shade and thrives in well-drained soil. The plant can be propagated using seeds or stem cuttings. When planting seeds, it is important to ensure that they are buried no more than 0.5 cm deep as they require light to germinate.

Watering Needs

Like most grasses, Digitaria eggersii requires regular watering to thrive. It should be watered deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot and dry periods. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant as this can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering sessions.

Fertilization

The plant should be fertilized every four to six weeks during the growing season using a complete fertilizer with an equal balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is essential to avoid fertilizing the plant during winter as this can lead to the development of weak, spindly growth. Overfertilizing the plant can also lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can cause damage to the roots.

Pruning

Digitaria eggersii does not require much pruning as it is a grass and does not produce woody growth. However, if the plant becomes overgrown or begins to look untidy, it can be mowed to the desired height. The recommended mowing height is between 2 and 3 inches. Mowing the plant too short can damage the roots and stunt its growth. It is important to sharpen the mower blades to avoid causing ragged cuts that can leave the plant susceptible to diseases.

Propagation of Digitaria Eggersii (Hack.) Henr.

Digitaria Eggersii, also known as Eggers' Crabgrass, is a warm-season annual grass that is native to Puerto Rico. It has a prostrate growth habit and can grow up to 30 cm tall.

There are two main methods of propagation for Digitaria Eggersii:

1. Seed Propagation

Seeds of Digitaria Eggersii can be sown directly in the field or in containers. The best time to sow the seeds is in spring when the soil temperature has reached 18-21°C. Before sowing, the soil should be loosened and leveled to create a smooth surface. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and 15-20 cm apart. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate.

Seed propagation is an ideal method for large-scale cultivation of Digitaria Eggersii for forage or turfgrass purposes. The seeds have a high germination rate and can produce a large number of plants in a short time.

2. Vegetative Propagation

Digitaria Eggersii can also be propagated vegetatively, through stolons or stem cuttings. This propagation method is often used in the maintenance of turfgrass or for cutting back rapidly-growing stems for fresh growth.

For stolon propagation, the runner or horizontal stem of the plant can be buried 1-2 cm deep in a prepared soil bed or container of moist soil. The stem should have nodes because, from these areas, new roots and sprouts will develop.

For stem cutting, stems with several nodes should be selected and cut into 10-15 cm long segments. The segments should be planted vertically in a soil mix or prepared soil bed and kept moist until roots develop.

Vegetative propagation is a more time-consuming method compared to seed propagation. Also, the plants generated by vegetative propagation are usually genetically identical to the parent plant.

Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria Eggersii (Hack.) Henr.

Digitaria eggersii, commonly known as Eggers’ crabgrass, is a warm-season perennial grass species found in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Africa. Like any other plant species, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can impede its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect D. eggersii and some ways to manage them.

Disease Management

Fusarium Blight: Fusarium blight is a soil-borne fungal disease that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It causes yellowing and wilting of leaves, followed by the death of the plant. To manage this disease, ensure adequate soil drainage, avoid over-irrigation, and remove affected plants and debris. Applying fungicides can also control the spread of Fusarium blight.

Brown Patch: Brown patch is a fungal disease that occurs in warm and humid weather, causing circular patches of brown grass. To prevent brown patch, avoid over-fertilization, water early in the morning, and promote good air circulation. Fungicides can also help control the spread of brown patch.

Pest Management

Armyworms: Armyworms are a common pest that can cause significant damage to D. eggersii. They consume plant leaves, leading to stunted growth and reduced productivity. To control armyworms, apply insecticides, apply neem or pyrethrum-based solutions, or use pheromone traps.

Mole Crickets: Mole crickets are another common pest that can damage the roots and stems of D. eggersii, leading to wilting and death. To manage mole crickets, apply insecticides, use bait traps, and till the soil to expose the pests to predators.

Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck plant sap, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. They can also transmit viruses and bacterial infections to the plant. To control aphids, use insecticidal soaps, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and maintain good plant hygiene.

Managing diseases and pests in D. eggersii is crucial to maintain the plant's health and productivity. By employing integrated pest management strategies, growers can protect D. eggersii from these threats and ensure a thriving crop.