Overview
Digitaria horizontalis Willd. is a type of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is commonly known as creeping (or spreading) crabgrass due to its growth habit. This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and is a common weed found in lawns and gardens.
Common Names
Digitaria horizontalis is commonly known by several other names including, summer grass, blanket crabgrass, crowfoot grass, and wiregrass.
Appearance
Creeping crabgrass has a long and slender stem that can reach up to 1.5 meters in length. The stem develops nodes where leaves emerge. The leaves of this plant are elongated (up to 15 cm) and flat. They are green in color and have a rough texture. Flower spikes emerge from the stems, reaching a height of 10 cm. Its seeds are oval-shaped and brownish in color.
Uses
Digitaria horizontalis is considered a weed in many countries but it can also be used for some purposes. Due to its high protein content, it can be used as animal feed. The plant also has medicinal properties and is used to treat kidney problems. It is also edible and used as a traditional food in some cultures.
Growth Conditions for Digitaria Horizontalis Willd.
Light: Digitaria horizontalis prefers full sun, but can tolerate light shade.
Temperature: This plant can grow in a variety of temperatures, but prefers a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F. However, it can handle temperatures as low as 50°F, making it a hardy plant for colder climates.
Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can also grow in sandy soils but will require more watering. It cannot grow in waterlogged soil as it is prone to root rot.
pH: Digitaria horizontalis can grow in soils with a pH range of 6.5-8.5, however, it prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Water: This plant requires moderate watering and can handle occasional droughts. The soil must be kept moist, but not waterlogged, during the growing season.
Fertilizer: Digitaria horizontalis responds well to regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen. It is best to apply fertilizer in the spring and summer months while the plant is actively growing.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria horizontalis Willd., commonly known as Summergrass, is an annual warm-season grass, found mainly in the southern regions of the United States. This species grows best in well-draining soils containing high organic matter and in areas receiving full sun exposure. Before planting, it is advisable to clear the area of any weeds, roots, rocks, or debris that may hinder the growth of the grass. Sow the seeds at a depth of about a quarter to a half-inch, and space them about 2-3 inches apart. It is also essential to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Watering Needs
Summergrass requires frequent watering, especially during the germination phase. It is crucial to make sure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. During the hotter months, it is recommended to water the grass early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation. Avoid watering the grass late in the day, as this can lead to fungal diseases, including brown patch and rust.
Fertilization
Summergrass is a heavy feeder and can significantly benefit from regular fertilization. It is advisable to conduct a soil test before applying any fertilizer to determine the nutrients lacking in the soil. A balanced 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer is an excellent choice for summergrass, and it is advisable to apply it every four to six weeks, starting from the germination phase. In addition, it is advisable to apply a layer of organic matter such as compost, grass clippings, or leaves annually to maintain the soil's fertility.
Pruning
Summergrass is an annual grass species that rarely requires pruning, as it will eventually die after the growing season. However, it is essential to maintain the grass at a height of about 2-3 inches throughout the growing season to promote the growth of new tillers. Additionally, it is advisable to conduct aeration services annually to promote root growth and reduce soil compaction, leading to a healthier lawn.
Propagation of Digitaria horizontalis Willd.
Digitaria horizontalis Willd. is primarily propagated via seeds and vegetative methods. Understanding the propagation requirements is essential to obtain quality plant material.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Digitaria horizontalis Willd. can be collected from the mature plants and sown directly in the field or raised in nurseries. The recommended time for seed collection is when the panicles have dried up, and the seeds have turned brown. After collection, the seeds should be cleaned, dried and stored in opaque, airtight containers at room temperature. The stored seeds should be sown within six months for optimal germination. Seeds of Digitaria horizontalis Willd. can be treated with hot water (60°C for 5 minutes) to break dormancy before sowing. Sowing is usually done during the monsoon period in the nursery or the field.
Propagation through vegetative methods
Digitaria horizontalis Willd. can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings and division of rhizomatous clumps. Stem cuttings of 5-10 cm in length should be taken from the actively growing shoots and planted in well-prepared beds or containers. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and the rooting medium should be kept moist. The best time for vegetative propagation is during the monsoon season. Dividing the rhizomatous clumps of Digitaria horizontalis Willd. into smaller sections and planting them is another vegetative propagation method. The separated sections should have roots and an active shoot. The planted sections should be watered regularly, and the soil around them should be kept moist.
Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria horizontalis Willd.
Digitaria horizontalis Willd., commonly known as tropical crabgrass or summer grass, is a warm-season annual grass that is commonly found in lawns and gardens. To maintain the health and vigor of Digitaria horizontalis Willd., it is important to manage the diseases and pests that can affect the plant.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Digitaria horizontalis Willd. is leaf spot, which is characterized by circular or oval spots on the leaves. Another common disease that can affect the plant is rust, which causes yellow or orange pustules on the leaves. To manage these diseases, it is important to remove and dispose of any infected plant material. Additionally, watering the plant in the morning and avoiding overhead irrigation can help reduce the risk of disease.
Common Pests
There are several pests that can attack Digitaria horizontalis Willd., including armyworms, cutworms, and sod webworms. These pests feed on the leaves and stems of the grass and can quickly damage the plant. To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the lawn for signs of damage and apply insecticides as needed. Additionally, maintaining proper lawn care practices, such as mowing at the proper height and fertilizing appropriately, can help keep the plant healthy and resilient to pest attacks.
In summary, managing diseases and pests is an important part of maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn or garden. By removing infected plant material, avoiding overhead irrigation, monitoring for pests, and applying insecticides as needed, you can help protect your Digitaria horizontalis Willd. from damage and ensure its continued health and vigor.
