Overview of Digitaria lecardii (Pilg.) Stapf
Digitaria lecardii (Pilg.) Stapf is a plant species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is a grass species native to several African countries, including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. It is also commonly referred to as Lecard's finger grass, guineagrass, or green panic. Digitaria lecardii can grow in different habitats such as savannahs, degraded land and grasslands.
Appearance of Digitaria lecardii
Digitaria lecardii is an annual grass that grows up to 1.5 meters tall and has a lifespan of one year. The grass has multiple stems that are thin and wiry. The stem is round and is usually green to light green in color. The leaves are long and flat, and they can grow up to 30 cm long and about 1 cm wide. The leaves have a smooth texture and are green in color. The inflorescence of Digitaria lecardii is a panicle that contains several spikelets. Each spikelet contains one to three flowers that are small, and have a green or purple color.
Uses of Digitaria lecardii
Digitaria lecardii has various uses in different sectors of society. The grass is widely used for grazing and for the production of hay. It is also used as green manure, which helps in restoring degraded land. In certain African countries, such as Cameroon and Tanzania, Digitaria lecardii is used as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases like malaria and dysentery. Additionally, the seeds of the grass are edible, and they can be used for food purposes. Digitaria lecardii is also being researched as a potential bioenergy crop, as it can produce high-quality biomass.
Conclusion
Digitaria lecardii is a valuable species of grass that has both economic and ecological importance. It provides several benefits to society, such as grazing, restoration of degraded lands, traditional medicine, and food. Its potential use as a bioenergy crop is also being researched.
Light Requirements
Digitaria lecardii requires a significant amount of direct sunlight for optimal growth. It is recommended to keep the plant in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Insufficient light may cause the plant to become weak and spindly, which will impact its overall health and growth rate.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Digitaria lecardii growth is between 20°C to 28°C. The plant is known to be drought-tolerant and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but frost can be harmful to the plant. If the plant is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for extended periods, it may cause irreversible damage to the plant tissue, leading to stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria lecardii grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The optimum soil pH range is between 6.5 and 7.5. Soil that is too alkaline or acidic may negatively impact the plant's growth potential. Additionally, the plant should be watered when the soil is dry, but overwatering can cause root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria lecardii thrives in full sun to partial shade. It grows well in a variety of soils, particularly well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Ideally, the soil should be fertile, with moderate organic matter content. This plant is propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, or division.
Watering Needs
Digitaria lecardii is moderately drought-tolerant, but it still requires regular watering. The plant should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. During hot and dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering. Overwatering should be avoided as it can result in root rot, which can kill the plant.
Fertilization
Digitaria lecardii benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will suffice. The fertilizer can be applied every four to six weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions for application rates. Fertilizer should be applied before watering to prevent the plant from being scorched.
Pruning
Digitaria lecardii requires minimal pruning as it is a low-growing grass. However, dead or damaged leaves and stems should be removed to prevent the spread of disease. Pruning may also be necessary to maintain the plant's shape. Pruning should be done in the spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Digitaria Lecardii (Pilg.) Stapf
Digitaria Lecardii (Pilg.) Stapf, commonly known as Lecard's crabgrass, is propagated through seeds or vegetative methods.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Digitaria Lecardii should be collected from mature plants. The seeds should be sowed in moist soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not water-logged. The seeds will germinate within 5-7 days. Within a month, the seedlings will grow up to 10 cm in height and will be ready for transplanting.
Vegetative propagation
Digitaria Lecardii can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as division and stem cuttings.
Division involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections and replanting each section. This method is most effective during the spring when growth is most active.
Stem cuttings should be taken from a mature plant during the summer. The stem should be cut into sections containing at least one node. The cuttings should be planted directly in the soil and placed in a warm, shaded area. The cuttings will root within two weeks.
Disease management
Digitaria lecardii is susceptible to various fungal diseases such as brown spot and leaf blight. Brown spot is characterized by brown circular spots on the leaves, and leaf blight causes lesions that spread across the leaf blade. To manage these diseases:
- Ensure proper plant spacing for good air circulation
- Avoid overhead watering
- Practice crop rotation to avoid monoculture
- Use disease-resistant varieties if available
- Apply fungicides according to label instructions
Pest management
Grasshoppers, cutworms, and armyworms can cause damage to Digitaria lecardii. Grasshoppers chew on the leaves, cutworms feed on the stem, and armyworms skeletonize the leaves. To manage these pests:
- Use physical barriers such as row covers to prevent their entry
- Handpick pests in small-scale plantings
- Apply approved insecticides according to label instructions
- Introduce natural predators such as birds or beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewing larvae
