Origin
Digitaria incisa Van der Veken, commonly known as sourgrass or large crabgrass, is a species of grass that is native to Africa, but is now widely distributed across the world.
Common Names
Digitaria incisa is commonly known by many names such as crabgrass, purple crabgrass, southern crabgrass, finger-grass, sourgrass and tardigrade digitgras.
Uses
Digitaria incisa is commonly used as a nutritious fodder for cattle and is often grown as a forage crop. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, dysentery, and diarrhea. Additionally, its seeds are edible and can be ground into a flour to make porridge or bread.
General Appearance
Digitaria incisa is an annual grass that can grow up to 3 feet tall. Its leaves are alternate with a bright green color and are about 3-20cm long and 3-12mm wide. The flower spikes are purplish-red and are about 5-11cm long. The plant propagates through seed which is oval-shaped and has a reddish-brown color.
Light Requirements
The plant Digitaria incisa Van der Veken thrives best in full sunlight. It requires a minimum of 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day. The plant needs adequate light to undergo photosynthesis, which is essential for its growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 25-35°C for optimal growth. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C. Extremely low temperatures below 10°C can severely stunt the growth of the plant, leading to wilting and browning of the foliage.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria incisa Van der Veken thrives best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil acidity, but it prefers soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0-7.0. It is essential to ensure that the soil is adequately aerated and not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot in the plant.
Cultivation
Digitaria incisa Van der Veken, also known as African finger grass, is quite easy to grow. It is best suited for warm climates and can be grown in a range of different soil types. It requires full sunlight to thrive and is tolerant of drought conditions.
Watering Needs
Watering should be done regularly but should not be excessive. During the hot summer months, Digitaria incisa should be irrigated more frequently. However, care should be taken to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Digitaria incisa benefits from regular fertilization. It responds well to nitrogen-based fertilizers. Fertilizer can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
Digitaria incisa does not require regular pruning as it is a naturally compact plant. However, pruning can help to maintain its shape. Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth appears. Dead or damaged stems should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Digitaria incisa Van der Veken
The plant Digitaria incisa Van der Veken, commonly known as branched finger grass, can be propagated via both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The sexual propagation of Digitaria incisa Van der Veken involves the collection of mature seeds from the parent plant. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in a sunny location. The optimal time to sow the seeds is during the spring or early summer. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and regularly watered until germination occurs.
Asexual Propagation
The asexual propagation of Digitaria incisa Van der Veken involves the use of vegetative propagation methods such as stem cuttings and division. Stem cuttings are obtained by taking a section of stem from a healthy plant, ensuring that it has at least one node. These cuttings can be planted directly into well-draining soil and regularly watered until roots and new growth appear.
Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and shoots. This process is best done during the plant's dormant period, in either spring or autumn. The separated sections can be replanted into well-draining soil and watered regularly to promote new growth.
Disease Management
Digitaria incisa Van der Veken is susceptible to some fungal diseases, including Rhizoctonia solani, Curvularia lunata, and Cercospora spp. These diseases can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant, leading to reduced growth and yield. One approach to manage these diseases is to use fungicides. Application of fungicides must be carried out following manufacturer's instructions. It is also recommended that you rotate the types of fungicides you use to minimize the development of fungicide-resistant strains of the pathogen. Additionally, maintaining a sanitary growing environment and avoiding overwatering can also help to minimize the spread of fungal diseases.
Pest Management
Digitaria incisa Van der Veken is also susceptible to pest attacks from several insects. Some of the common pests that affect this plant include armyworms, grasshoppers, aphids, and white grubs. These pests can cause damage to plant tissue leading to reduced growth and yield. One of the effective ways to manage such pests is by using insecticides. It is, however, important to ensure the proper application of these chemicals and to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid negative consequences. Additionally, crop rotation can be an effective method to help reduce the impact of pests. Incorporating resistant varieties and employing integrated pest management practices can also help to manage pest populations effectively.
