Digitaria foliosa Stent
Digitaria foliosa Stent is a species of grass belonging to the Poaceae family. This plant is native to Cuba and grows well in warm, tropical climates.
Common Names
This grass is commonly referred to as Cuban crabgrass or Cuban fingergrass. The Spanish name for this plant is zacate de agua.
Uses
Digitaria foliosa Stent is used for soil and water conservation due to its impressive erosion control properties. This grass can also be used as a forage for livestock or as a cover crop to protect soil from rainfall and wind erosion. Additionally, Cuban crabgrass is known as a useful plant for re-vegetation of degraded or disturbed areas, such as roadside banks and construction sites.
General Appearance
This grass has a sprawling habit and can grow anywhere from 20 to 60 cm tall. The stems are slender and branching, with leaves that are smooth or slightly hairy. The leaf blades are thin, flat, and about 2 to 5 cm long. Cuban crabgrass produces numerous spikes that can grow up to 15 cm long. These spikes have tiny flowers or seeds that are a beige color which eventually turns brown as they mature.
Light Requirements
Digitaria foliosa Stent requires full sunlight for optimal growth. This plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria foliosa Stent thrives in warm temperatures. It requires a minimum temperature of 20°C (68°F) to grow. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 25-35°C (77-95°F).
Soil Requirements
Digitaria foliosa Stent is adaptable to a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained, fertile soils. It can survive in soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It also prefers soils that are rich in organic matter content.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria foliosa Stent is a tropical plant that is best propagated by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is during the rainy season when the soil is warm. Prepare the soil by weeding and tilling, and then add humus or compost to enhance soil fertility. Sow the seeds in rows about 1cm deep and 20cm apart. Thin the seedlings when they reach 5-7cm tall, leaving about 10cm between them.
Watering Needs
Digitaria foliosa Stent requires moderate watering. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Water deeply to enable the roots to penetrate deeper into the soil. Avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Digitaria foliosa Stent responds well to balanced fertilizers that have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer after the first cut and a month before the rainy season. Use a rate of 50kg/acre of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and 100kg/acre of muriate of potash (MOP). This fertilizer combination will enhance plant growth, increase the yield and improve nutrient content in the plant.
Pruning
Digitaria foliosa Stent does not require frequent pruning. However, if the plant becomes too tall, it is advisable to mow it to reduce the overall height and reduce competition for nutrients. The best time to prune is at the end of the rainy season to enhance spring growth. Use clean and sharp tools to avoid damaging the stems when pruning.
Propagation of Digitaria foliosa Stent
Digitaria foliosa Stent is a perennial plant that is typically propagated through rhizome division. Here are some propagation methods for this plant:
Rhizome Division
Rhizome division is the most common method of propagating Digitaria foliosa Stent. To do this, dig up the whole plant, or a portion of it, and carefully separate the rhizomes. Make sure that each rhizome has at least one bud. Plant each rhizome separately in a container or directly into the ground.
Seed Propagation
Digitaria foliosa Stent can also be propagated through seeds. However, this method is not commonly used because the plant produces very few seeds and they have a low germination rate. If you do decide to propagate via seeds, sow them immediately after harvesting in a well-draining soil mix and keep them consistently moist. It can take several months for the seeds to germinate, and they may require additional light or heat to sprout.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Digitaria foliosa Stent. Take a stem cutting with at least a few leaves and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the cutting in a warm, bright location. Roots should begin to form within a few weeks. Once roots have formed and the plant is established, transplant it into a bigger container or directly into the ground.
Disease Management for Digitaria foliosa Stent
Digitaria foliosa Stent or Foundation grass is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, some fungal diseases can attack the plant, such as leaf spots, rusts, and smuts. To manage these diseases, a gardener must follow preventive measures. Here are some tips:
- Remove infected plant debris
- Do not overhead water
- Monitor the plant regularly for symptoms of diseases
- Use fungicides as needed
Pest Management for Digitaria foliosa Stent
Foundation grass is also a pest-resistant plant. However, some insects can still infest the plant, such as grasshoppers, armyworms, and cutworms. Here are some ways to manage these pests:
- Use row covers to prevent insects from reaching the plant
- Handpick and remove visible insects from the plant
- Keep the garden clean from plant debris that may harbor insect eggs and larvae
- Use insecticides as needed, but be mindful of the safety precautions especially when applying toxic chemicals
