Digitaria Eriantha Steudel Ssp. Eriantha - Crabgrass

Origin

Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha, also known as "common finger grass", is a perennial grass that is native to sub-Saharan Africa and widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Common Names

Common finger grass goes by many names, including African finger grass, woolly finger grass, and Kikuyu grass. The name "finger grass" comes from its characteristic seed heads, which resemble fingers.

Uses

Common finger grass is a popular forage grass in many parts of the world, used primarily for livestock grazing and hay production. In addition, it is often planted for erosion control and soil stabilization, as its extensive root system helps to prevent soil erosion. It is also sometimes used as a lawn grass, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

General Appearance

Common finger grass typically grows between 30 to 120 cm tall, with a dense, clumping habit. The leaves are long and narrow, with a bluish-green color and slightly rough texture. The seed heads, which appear in late summer, consist of numerous finger-like spikes that are up to 10 cm long and covered in a soft, white fuzz. The seeds themselves are small and brown, and are dispersed by wind and animals.

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Light Requirements:

The Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha requires full sun exposure for its growth. It cannot tolerate shade or partial shade. The plant can grow well in places where it receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, but it can also thrive in areas with up to 12 hours of sunlight. Inadequate sunlight may weaken the plant and decrease its yield.

Temperature Requirements:

The Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha is a warm-season plant. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C. The ideal temperature for growth is 26°C. Temperatures below 20°C can slow growth and delay maturity. The plant is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. It is suited for growing in areas with a tropical or subtropical climate.

Soil Requirements:

The Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha thrives in a wide range of soil types. It can grow well in sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, the plant requires well-drained soils to avoid waterlogging. The ideal soil pH level for growth is between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant has moderate tolerance to soil salinity, but high soil salinity can negatively affect its growth and yield. The plant also benefits from the addition of organic matter to the soil, which can improve soil fertility and water retention.

Cultivating Digitaria Eriantha Steudel Ssp. Eriantha

Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha is a warm-season perennial grass that is native to Africa. It is a commonly cultivated grass in many parts of the world, including the United States. This grass is tolerant of drought and grazing, and it grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.0-8.5.

Watering Needs

Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha requires regular watering to establish a deep root system. During dry periods, it is best to water the grass twice a week to keep the soil moist. Once the grass is established, it can tolerate longer periods without water. However, during extended drought, the grass will require regular watering to maintain its health and growth.

Fertilization

Fertilization is essential for optimal growth and development of Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha. It is recommended to apply nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of 60-80 pounds per acre during the growing season. This can be split into two or three applications for better absorption and reduced loss due to leaching. It is also advisable to apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers since they are critical for root development and overall plant growth. However, the quantity applied varies depending on the soil type and nutrient content.

Pruning

Pruning is not required for Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha. However, it is advisable to mow the grass regularly to promote healthy growth and maintain its aesthetic appeal. Mowing should be done once the grass reaches a height of 6-8 inches and should not be cut to less than 3 inches. This ensures that enough leaf tissue remains, which helps in photosynthesis, growth, and maintenance of the grass.

Propagation of Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha

Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha, commonly known as pangola grass, is usually propagated through vegetative means due to its low seed production. The following are the primary propagation methods used for this plant:

Stolon division

Pangola grass develops stolons that creep along the ground and take root where they touch the soil. This characteristic makes it susceptible to stolon division as a propagation method. Gardeners can use a spade to sever each stolon from the parent plant, ensuring that each severed stolon has enough roots and foliage to facilitate establishment. Each stolon can be planted into another suitable location, and regular irrigation is necessary to promote establishment.

Root division

Root division is another viable propagation method for pangola grass. The root system of this plant is fibrous, and each fibrous root can develop into a new plant when transplanted into a suitable environment. Gardeners must carefully separate the fibrous roots by hand or a sharp knife, ensuring to keep the foliage and roots intact. Each separated plant with its roots and foliage is planted into prepared soil and irrigated regularly.

Stem cuttings

Pangola grass can also be propagated using stem cuttings. The stem cuttings must be obtained from a healthy and mature plant, preferably during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. The stem cutting must be at least four inches long with nodes to develop roots. The lower nodes on the cutting are stripped of leaves, and the cutting is planted vertically into a prepared rooting medium. Irrigation is necessary to maintain moisture levels until the new plants become firmly established.

Disease Management for Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha

Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha, commonly known as the Pangola grass, is susceptible to various diseases that can reduce its growth and yield. Some of the common diseases that are known to affect this plant are:

• Anthracnose: This fungal infection can infect the leaves, stems, and seeds of the Pangola grass. The symptoms of anthracnose include yellow or brown spots on leaves, stem rot, and seed discoloration. To manage this disease, it is recommended to plant disease-resistant varieties, use clean seeds, and practice proper sanitation by removing infected plant residues.
• Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungi and bacteria that attack the leaves of the Pangola grass, resulting in small, brown or yellow irregular spots. Leaf spot can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves, providing adequate ventilation, and using fertilizers that contain nitrogen and potassium.
• Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can cause yellow-orange pustules on leaves, influenced by humid conditions. The Pangola grass can be protected against this disease by practicing crop rotation, practicing proper irrigation, and using fungicides if necessary.

Pest Management for Digitaria eriantha Steudel ssp. eriantha

The Pangola grass can be susceptible to pests that can damage its roots, shoots, and leaves. Some of the common pests that might attack this plant are:

• Mites: These pests can cause stunted growth of the Pangola grass, together with yellow and brown spots on leaves. To manage mites, the plant can be treated with miticides and insecticides.
• Caterpillars: Various caterpillar species may attack the Pangola grass, resulting in small holes in leaves and stems. To manage them, one can use biological controls such as predator insects, bacillus thuringiensis, or insecticides.
• Sod Webworms: These pests can cause yellow patches on Pangola grass and may also end in the browning off of the turf. To manage sod webworms, one can use chemical insecticides or biological controls.

Regular scouting, good cultural practices, and planting of disease-resistant and pest-resistant Pangola grass varieties will help reduce disease and pest problems.