Overview
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. stolonifera (Stapf) Kok is a type of grass commonly known as Durban signalgrass. This grass is native to Africa and is known for its stoloniferous growth habit.
General Appearance
This warm-season perennial grass typically grows up to 3 feet tall and can form dense mats due to its stoloniferous growth habit. The leaves are green and can grow up to 8 inches in length. The stems are slender and can be either erect or prostrate. The seedheads are spike-like and can be up to 3 inches long.
Common Names
In addition to Durban signalgrass, Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. stolonifera (Stapf) Kok is also commonly referred to as African couch, Congo grass, and kikuyu grass.
Uses
This grass is commonly used for forage, erosion control, and turfgrass. It is also known to be resilient and can survive in harsh conditions, making it a popular choice for landscaping in arid areas. In addition, it is used to cover bare ground until permanent vegetation can be established.
Light Requirements
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. stolonifera (Stapf) Kok thrives well in full sunlight. It requires about six hours of direct sunlight per day. In low light conditions, the plant may grow, but it will not be as healthy and robust as those in full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C. The lowest temperature that Digitaria eriantha subsp. stolonifera can tolerate is about 10°C. Therefore, it is not suitable for cold climates. During the winter, it may turn yellow and go dormant, but it will sprout new leaves and grow again in the spring.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. stolonifera (Stapf) Kok grows best in well-draining loamy soils that are fertile and rich in organic matter. The soil pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.5. It does not grow well in heavy clay soils, which retain moisture and have poor drainage. The plant prefers soils with medium to high fertility that are adequately moist. It is essential to maintain proper soil moisture levels since prolonged dry spells may hinder growth and development.
Cultivation methods
The best time to cultivate Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. stolonifera (Stapf) Kok is during the warm seasons. It can be grown from seeds or vegetative clones. If growing from seeds, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and tilling the soil to a fine texture. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 cm and watered lightly. They should be kept moist for the first few weeks until germination occurs.
If growing from vegetative clones, these can be taken from the mother plant by cutting the runners or stolons and transplanting them in soil. Ensure that the plants are planted at a depth of 1-2 cm, and spaced at 30cm apart from each other.
Watering needs
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. stolonifera (Stapf) Kok requires regular watering especially during the dry seasons. Watering should be done deeply, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly in between waterings to avoid overwatering. If grown in well-draining soil, it can tolerate periods of drought.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to promote growth and proper development. A slow-release nitrogen fertilizer is recommended application to be done at least once monthly. Too much fertilizer can, however, promote excessive leaf growth and make the plants more susceptible to diseases.
Pruning
Pruning should be done regularly to ensure that the plant remains healthy and to encourage increased leaf growth. The best time for pruning is during the warm season. Cut back the plants by about 1/3 of their height to encourage thicker foliage growth. Avoid cutting back too far on the stems, as this can damage the plant.
Propagation of Digitaria Eriantha Steud. Subsp. Stolonifera (Stapf) Kok
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. stolonifera (Stapf) Kok, commonly called Pangola grass, is a warm-season grass species that is widely used in pastures and lawns. Propagation of Pangola grass can be achieved through various methods; these include:
Seed Propagation
Propagating Pangola grass through seeds is the least efficient method because the plant's seeds are sterile. However, planting freshly harvested cuttings can help achieve seedlike propagation.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Pangola grass involves the use of stolons and runners. The stolons or runners are planted directly onto the soil, where they will eventually take root and produce new shoots.
Sod Propagation
Pangola grass can also be propagated through sods from established lawns. Sods or plugs from the parent grass will ensure the new roots have a head start in growth and become established more quickly.
Disease Management
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. stolonifera is prone to several fungal diseases that could impact its growth and yield. The most common fungal diseases affecting Digitaria eriantha subsp. stolonifera include leaf spot, stem rust, and smut. These diseases can be managed by employing preventive measures such as crop rotation, use of disease-resistant varieties, and proper sanitation. Farmers should also ensure their plants are well aerated and not overcrowded since these conditions promote the growth and spread of fungal diseases.
Pest Control
Digitaria eriantha Steud. subsp. stolonifera is susceptible to several pests, including armyworms, aphids, and cutworms. Farmers can control pests by using appropriate pesticides that are specifically designed to eliminate or repel the pests. However, farmers are advised to seek assistance from a pest control expert or agronomist before applying any pesticide to avoid causing harm to the plants and the environment. Other preventive measures include crop rotation, proper field hygiene, and regular scouting and monitoring of pests to detect early infestations.
