Overview
Digitaria eriantha Steud. is a species of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is also commonly known as Eriantha finger grass and Pangola grass. The plant is a warm-season perennial that is native to Zimbabwe, Africa.
Appearance
Eriantha finger grass is known for its slender, erect stems that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The grass has a deep green color and its leaves are narrow, elongated, and smooth-edged. The plant has a dense, spreading growth habit, and its roots have a rhizomatous nature, which helps it grow in clumps.
Cultivation and Uses
The Eriantha finger grass is often cultivated for grazing and hay production. It is an important forage crop for livestock that provides high-quality feed during the dry season. The grass can also be used as a lawn grass and for erosion control in areas with low fertility soils. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments including stomach problems, fever, and coughs.
Economic Importance
Eriantha finger grass is an economically important crop in many parts of Africa, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Botswana. The grass is an excellent source of forage for livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep. It is also a valuable export crop that generates income for farmers and agribusinesses.
Light Requirements
Digitaria eriantha Steud. thrives in full sun to partial shade. In full sun, the plant may require more water to compensate for the increased evaporation rate, while in partial shade, the plant may grow more slowly but require less water.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria eriantha Steud. is a warm-season grass that prefers temperatures ranging from 20 to 32°C (68 to 90°F). The plant is frost-tender and may not survive in areas with extended periods of frost or cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The ideal growing conditions for Digitaria eriantha Steud. are well-drained soils that have a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, but it grows best in soils that are medium to fine in texture. It can also tolerate soils that are slightly saline or sodic in nature.
Cultivation of Digitaria eriantha Steud.
Digitaria eriantha Steud. thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH of 6.0-7.5. The plant prefers full sunlight, but it can also grow well in partial shade. Sow the seeds shallowly and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moderately moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 1-2 weeks. Once the seedlings are established, thin them to a spacing of 10-15 cm apart.
Watering Needs
Digitaria eriantha Steud. requires frequent watering, especially during its initial growth stages. Water the plants deeply once a week to encourage a deep and robust root system. Ensure that the soil is never waterlogged to avoid root rot and fungal infections. During the dry spells, water the plants twice a week or more often if the soil dries out quickly.
Fertilization
Digitaria eriantha Steud. benefits from regular fertilization to ensure optimal growth and health. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at a rate of 30 g/m2 every six weeks. Fertilize the plants during the growing season, which is usually in spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to excessive leaf growth and poor seed formation.
Pruning
Digitaria eriantha Steud. does not require extensive pruning, but removing the seed heads after the flowering period can prevent excessive self-seeding. It is also a good practice to remove any yellowing or dead leaves to encourage new growth and discourage pests and diseases. Use sterilized pruning shears to make clean cuts and prevent the spread of infections.
Propagating Digitaria Eriantha Steud.
Digitaria eriantha Steud., also known as pangola grass, is a warm-season perennial grass commonly used in forage and turf production. It can be propagated through several methods, including seed, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
Digitaria eriantha produces a significant amount of seed, and it is the primary method of reproduction in the wild. The seed is small and should be planted shallowly, about 0.25 inches deep. Germination typically occurs within 10 to 14 days, and the seedlings need to be protected from competition and moisture stress until they are established.
Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria eriantha is easy to propagate vegetatively using stem cuttings or rhizomes. Stem cuttings should be taken from actively growing plants, treated with rooting hormone, and planted in a moist rooting medium. Rhizomes can be dug up and divided, ensuring each division has multiple growth points.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of propagation and involves growing plants in a laboratory. It can be useful in rapidly producing large quantities of plants that are genetically identical. However, tissue culture can also be expensive and requires specialized equipment and expertise, making it less accessible for most growers.
Disease and pest management for Digitaria eriantha Steud.
Digitaria eriantha Steud., commonly known as "Pangola grass," is a popular warm-season grass that is used for pasture, hay, and turf purposes. However, the plant is vulnerable to several diseases and pests that can cause significant damage if not managed appropriately.
Common diseases affecting Digitaria eriantha Steud.
One of the most common diseases affecting Pangola grass is leaf spot disease. It is caused by the fungus Bipolaris sacchari and can be recognized by small, circular spots with brown centers and yellow halos on the leaves. Another disease that affects the plant is rust, also caused by a fungus. It can be recognized by orange or yellow pustules on the leaves, stems, and spikes.
Pest management for Digitaria eriantha Steud.
Pangola grass is susceptible to various pests, including armyworms, cutworms, and white grubs. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce its yield. To manage these pests, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can be implemented, including cultural and chemical methods. One cultural method is to regularly mow the grass to reduce pest populations. Chemical methods such as using insecticides can also be applied when the pest population reaches an economic threshold.
Management of leaf spot and rust diseases in Digitaria eriantha Steud.
To manage leaf spot and rust diseases, cultural and chemical methods can be used. Cultural methods include removing infected leaves and using appropriate fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Copper-based fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the diseases, although care should be taken not to overuse them. Additionally, applying fungicides preventatively, at regular intervals, can help to manage the diseases effectively.
Conclusion
Diseases and pests can significantly damage the growth and yield of Pangola grass. To effectively manage these, a combination of cultural and chemical strategies can be implemented. Regular monitoring of the plant is also essential to detect and manage diseases and pests before they cause significant damage.
