Overview
Digitaria livida Henrard, commonly known as purple crabgrass or purple fingergrass, is a plant of the Poaceae family. It is a perennial grass that is native to Southern Africa.
Appearance
Purple crabgrass can grow up to one meter in height. Its leaves are flat and are about 2-7 mm in width and 4-10 cm in length. The leaves have a green-gray color and are often tinged with purple. The plant produces purple or reddish-purple flowers that are spike-like and about 5-20 cm long.
Uses
Purple crabgrass has various uses. It is often used as a forage for livestock and is considered a valuable food source for wild animals. Its seeds are also used as a food crop for humans in several African countries. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, headache, and dysentery.
Furthermore, the plant has the potential to be used as a cover crop to control soil erosion, improve soil quality, and suppress weeds in agricultural fields.
Overall, the purple crabgrass is an important plant species that has impressive ecological and economical significance. Its numerous potential uses make it a valuable resource that should be conserved and exploited sustainably.
Light Requirements
Digitaria livida Henrard, commonly known as the purple crabgrass, thrives in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. It is recommended to provide the plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature for the growth of Digitaria livida Henrard ranges from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius and as high as 40 degrees Celsius. It is important to note that the plant grows best in warm climates with adequate rainfall.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria livida Henrard prefers well-draining soils that are fertile with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria livida Henrard can grow in a wide range of conditions, making it easy to cultivate. It is well-suited to both the tropical and subtropical climates and does not have any special cultivation requirements. The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils and requires a well-drained medium. The plant can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Digitaria livida Henrard are minimal. It can tolerate dry conditions and does not require frequent watering. The plant can survive short periods of drought, but it requires regular watering during the growing season to maintain its green foliage. It is important to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Digitaria livida Henrard requires minimal fertilization, and excessive feeding can damage the plant. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote the growth of the grass, reducing its overall health. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to ensure that the plant is receiving adequate nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning Digitaria livida Henrard is not necessary as it can maintain its shape and form naturally. However, it is important to remove any dead or diseased leaves as they can attract pests and diseases. Cut back any flowering stems to promote the growth of new foliage and maintain a healthy plant.
Propagation of Digitaria livida Henrard
Digitaria livida Henrard is commonly referred to as purple crabgrass and belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is an annual weed that is native to many parts of Africa. Propagation of this plant is quite easy, and there are different methods that can be used.
Seeds propagation
The most common method of propagation for Digitaria livida Henrard is through seeds. The plant produces numerous seeds that can be collected and sown directly into pre-prepared beds during the growing season. Ensure the soil is moist when sowing the seeds and covered with a thin layer of soil for successful germination. Water regularly and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Stolons propagation
Digitaria livida Henrard can also be propagated through stolons. Stolons are horizontal stems that grow along the ground and develop nodes that can develop roots. This method allows the plant to spread and develop new plants in a shorter time. To propagate through stolons, cut small sections of the stolon with a few nodes and plant them in a prepared bed. Ensure the nodes are buried in the soil and maintain moist soil conditions until the new plant develops roots.
Plant division propagation
Plant division is another method of propagating Digitaria livida Henrard. It is usually done during the growing season. The process involves digging up an established plant and separating the plant into smaller sections. Ensure each section possesses enough roots and a few stems/leaves. Transplant the new plants to a prepared bed and maintain soil moisture to encourage new growth.
Disease Management
Digitaria livida Henrard can suffer from various diseases such as fungal and bacterial infections:
- Leaf spot diseases: These are caused by fungi such as Bipolaris spp. and Drechslera spp. Symptoms include small, dark-colored spots on the leaves that eventually coalesce and blight the entire leaf. The management of this disease is through removing infected leaves and spraying a fungicide.
- Anthracnose: This is caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It causes leaf blight, stem cankers, and dark, sunken spots on the seed heads. The management of this disease is through planting resistant cultivars and spraying fungicides.
- Rust diseases: These are caused by fungal pathogens such as Puccinia spp. and Uromyces spp. Rust diseases cause yellow and orange pustules on the leaves and stems. The management of this disease is through spraying fungicides and planting resistant cultivars.
Pest Management
Digitaria livida Henrard can also be affected by various pests such as insects and weeds:
- Armyworms: These are caterpillars that feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage. To manage this pest, apply insecticides at the first sign of damage and maintain good field hygiene by removing plant debris after harvest.
- Mites: Spider mites feed on the sap of the plants, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. The management of this pest is through the use of acaricides and maintaining good field hygiene.
- Weeds: Weeds such as crabgrass and goosegrass can compete for nutrients and sunlight, reducing the yield of Digitaria livida Henrard. The management of this pest is through hand weeding and the use of herbicides.
