Digitaria Eriantha Steud. Var. Stolonifera Stapf

Overview

Digitaria eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf, also known as Smuts finger grass, is a perennial grass species that originates from Southern Africa.

Appearance

The plant is characterized by its intravaginal stolons that root at the nodes and erect, slender stems that can grow up to 60 cm in height. Its leaves are long, narrow, and range from light green to bluish-green in color.

Common Names

The plant goes by several common names depending on the region, including Smuts finger grass, common finger grass, and kweekgras in Afrikaans.

Uses

Digitaria eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf is commonly used as a forage grass due to its high protein content. It is also used in soil conservation efforts and as a landscaping plant in gardens and parks. In addition, the species has medicinal properties, and is used to treat ailments such as wounds, diarrhea, and dysentery in traditional African medicine.

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Light Requirements

Digitaria eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf typically thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. In areas with harsh sunlight, partial shading may be necessary. Providing supplemental lighting through grow lights in indoor settings can be beneficial.

Temperature Requirements

The optimal temperature range for Digitaria eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf growth is between 70-85°F (21-30°C). Temperatures outside this range can cause the plant to grow slowly or die. Protect the plant from frost or extreme heat as it cannot cope with temperature changes well.

Soil Requirements

Digitaria eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf prefers well-draining and fertile soil with a pH of 5.5-7.5. The soil must be rich in organic matter and nutrients. A soil-based compost with added perlite can be suitable for this plant’s growth. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, so avoid overwatering. Inadequate soil drainage can cause root rot and stunt plant growth.

Cultivation

Digitaria eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf, also known as pangola grass, can be cultivated through planting stolons or plugs in well-drained soil. It prefers full sun exposure and can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils.

Watering Needs

Pangola grass requires regular watering, especially during dry seasons. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, to promote healthy growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.

Fertilization

Regular fertilization is essential for the optimal health and growth of pangola grass. A balanced fertilizer, with an NPK ratio of 3-1-2, is recommended for pangola grass. Fertilizers should be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season.

Pruning

Pruning is an essential part of caring for pangola grass. It helps to maintain the desired height and promotes healthy growth. Pruning should be done regularly, with a lawnmower or shears, to a height of 2 to 3 inches. However, it is advisable to avoid pruning more than a third of the grass blade at a time to prevent stress on the plant.

Propagation of Digitaria eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf

Digitaria eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf, commonly known as tall fescue, is a warm-season grass. It is a perennial grass that spreads through stolons and seed. Propagation of D. eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf can be done through vegetative or sexual means.

Vegetative Propagation

Vegetative propagation involves the use of plant parts such as stems and stolons to create new plants. D. eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf has a high ability to propagate vegetatively through stolons. Stolons are specialized stems that grow horizontally above the ground. They develop nodes and produce roots and shoots that grow into new plants. To propagate D. eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf, healthy stolons can be cut into sections, and each section can be planted into soil to establish a new plant. This method is effective in creating a dense sward of grass quickly.

Sexual Propagation

Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to create new plants. D. eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf produces seeds in late summer. To propagate through seeds, the seeds are collected and planted in prepared soil in early spring. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 10-15mm and watered well until germination. As the new plants mature, they will develop stolons that will help expand the lawn coverage.

Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf

Digitaria eriantha Steud. var. stolonifera Stapf, commonly known as digit grass, is a warm-season perennial grass that is commonly used for pastures, hay production, and erosion control. Like any other plant, digit grass is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and production. Appropriate management practices can help prevent and manage these problems.

Common Diseases

The most common diseases that affect digit grass are fungal diseases that cause leaf spot, rust, and smut. Leaf spots are usually caused by the fungi Cercospora and Bipolaris, which result in small brown or gray spots on the grass blades that enlarge and merge, eventually resulting in significantly damaged leaves. Rust is caused by Puccinia digitariae, and it results in yellow or orange bumps on leaves. Smut is caused by Thecaphora digitarii and results in black, swollen areas on developing seeds.

Pest Management

Digit grass is susceptible to various pests, including armyworms, cutworms, and nematodes. Armyworms and cutworms are caterpillars that eat grass blades and can cause damage. Nematodes are microscopic worms that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.

The most effective way of managing pests is to use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that incorporate a combination of techniques such as crop rotation, biological control, and resistant cultivars. In IPM, chemical control should be used as a last resort. If pesticides must be used, they should be used judiciously and only after careful consideration to minimize effects on non-target organisms and to avoid development of resistance.

In conclusion, appropriate disease and pest management practices are essential to maintain healthy digit grass stands. Maintaining the appropriate nutrient and moisture levels is also important in preventing the occurrence of diseases and pests.