Digitaria Horizontalis Willd.

Digitaria horizontalis Willd.

Digitaria horizontalis Willd., also commonly known as creeping crabgrass or tumblegrass, originated in Europe but is now widely distributed around the world. It grows in disturbed areas such as lawns, gardens, roadsides, and waste places.

General Appearance

It is an annual, warm-season grass that grows from a central point and forms a spreading mat. It has slender stems that can reach up to 3 feet in length. The leaves are light green and can be up to 6 inches long and ¼ inch wide. They are flat, taper to a point, and have a rough texture on both surfaces. The seed heads are small and spiky and are produced in the summer and fall.

Uses

While it is considered a weed in many places, Digitaria horizontalis has some useful qualities. It can be used for erosion control and as a forage for livestock. It has also been used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as fever and dysentery. Additionally, some people use it in landscaping because it is drought tolerant and grows well in poor soils.

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Light Requirements

Digitaria horizontalis Willd. thrives in full sun exposure and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and mature properly. It cannot tolerate shade and may suffer stunted growth or die if placed in a shaded environment.

Temperature Requirements

This plant is considered as an annual and prefers warm temperatures to encourage quick germination and growth. It tolerates and grows best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F. It cannot tolerate frost and will not survive in freezing temperatures.

Soil Requirements

Digitaria horizontalis Willd. requires soil that is well-drained, fertile, and moist. It grows well in sandy soils, loamy soils, and soils with a good organic matter content. The pH level of the soil should range from moderately acidic to alkaline. A pH level of between 5.5 and 7.5 is optimal for this species.

Cultivation Methods

Digitaria horizontalis Willd., commonly known as creeping crabgrass, is a warm-season perennial grass that can be grown in almost any soil type. It's best to start growing this plant during the late spring or early summer when the soil temperature is above 60°F. This grass species can survive in full sun or partial shade, but it grows best in full sunshine. Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 4 to 6 inches and mix in compost to improve drainage and nutrition levels. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, spaced 2 to 3 inches apart, and water thoroughly. Within 2 to 3 weeks, the seeds will germinate, and the grass will start to grow rapidly.

Watering Needs

Once the grass is established, you need to water it regularly, especially during dry and hot periods. Water the grass about once or twice a week, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization

Digitaria horizontalis Willd. requires regular fertilization to grow healthy and maintain good green color. Apply slow-release nitrogen-rich fertilizer three times a year, in late spring, mid-summer, and early fall. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label for proper application rate and timing.

Pruning

Pruning is not an essential part of caring for creeping crabgrass. However, if necessary, you can mow the grass to maintain a height of about 1 to 2 inches to promote dense growth. Mow the grass when it reaches a height of about 3 to 4 inches. Additionally, you can remove any dead or brown leaves to keep the plant looking neat and attractive.

Propagation of Digitaria horizontalis Willd.

Digitaria horizontalis Willd. is an annual plant, commonly known as creeping crabgrass, that is highly prevalent in tropical regions. This plant can be propagated using various techniques.

Sowing seeds

The most common method of propagation is through seed sowing. The seeds should be planted in soil that is well-drained and fertile. They should be sown in a shallow trench and then covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds should be watered regularly, and germination usually occurs within two weeks.

Transplantation

Transplantation is another technique that can be used to propagate Digitaria horizontalis Willd. This method involves digging up a young plant and transplanting it to a new location. It is essential to ensure that the plant is transplanted into soil that is similar to its previous location to prevent shock.

Stolon division

One can also propagate Digitaria horizontalis Willd. through stolon division. The stolon is a stem that runs parallel to the ground, and the runners have the potential to grow roots. To propagate using this method, one should pull out the stolons and cut them into smaller pieces. Each piece should be planted into a new location, preferably in soil that is damp.

Vegetative propagation

Digitaria horizontalis Willd. can also be propagated through vegetative propagation. This method involves using plant parts such as leaves, stems, or roots to germinate new plants. Once the parts are taken from a healthy parent plant, they should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a soil mix. The propagator should ensure that the soil mix is moist, warm, and away from direct sunlight.

Disease Management

Digitaria horizontalis Willd. is susceptible to various diseases, especially fungal diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. To manage these diseases effectively, it is recommended to practice good cultural practices such as planting disease-free seedlings, ensuring proper drainage, and avoiding waterlogging.

Fungicides can also be applied preventively in case of severe outbreaks. Copper fungicides are effective in controlling pathogens that cause leaf spots, powdery mildew, and other fungal infections. Apply the fungicides based on the manufacturer's instruction and avoid overuse, which can lead to the development of resistant strains. Crop rotation is also important in breaking disease cycles and reducing the chances of subsequent infections.

Pest Management

Digitaria horizontalis Willd. is susceptible to various pests, with the most common being aphids, caterpillars, and mites. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to yield losses. Farmers can manage these pests through various approaches, including the use of biocontrol agents such as predators and parasitoids, as well as insecticides.

Insecticides should be applied based on integrated pest management principles, which involve monitoring pest populations, identifying the specific pest, and selecting the most appropriate pesticide based on its efficacy, toxicity, and persistence. Farmers should also adhere to safety measures when using insecticides to protect the environment and human health. Thorough scouting can also help detect infestations early, and timely intervention can prevent further damage to the crop.