Overview
Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. glabra Van der Veken is a species of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. This grass variant is native to Africa and has been introduced to other countries, including Brazil and the USA.Common Names
Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. glabra Van der Veken is commonly known as Maitland's fingergrass or Glabrous fingergrass.Appearance
Maitland's fingergrass or Glabrous fingergrass is a perennial grass that has a height range of 20-150 cm. The leaves are mostly basal, flat, and linear with a width of 3 - 10 mm. The stems of this grass are erect and smooth, while the inflorescence is a panicle with a range of 11-30 cm long.Uses
Maitland's fingergrass or Glabrous fingergrass is grown as a pasture grass because of its fast growth rate and earlier maturity. The grass has been used to control soil erosion and in turf formation due to its ability to tolerate heavy traffic. Additionally, this grass variant is also used in traditional medicine in Africa to treat fever, dysentery, and cough.hereLight requirements
The Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. glabra Van der Veken is considered a sun-loving plant. Therefore, a significant amount of sunlight is required for it to grow. It should be exposed to a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Inadequate exposure to sunlight may affect the growth and overall health of the plant.
Temperature requirements
The Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. glabra Van der Veken is known to be a hardy plant that can grow well under various temperature conditions. However, the optimum temperature range for its growth is between 25-35°C. Extreme temperatures above and below this range may adversely affect the plant's growth.
Soil requirements
The Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. glabra Van der Veken requires well-drained soil for healthy growth. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to enhance the plant's growth and development. The recommended soil texture is sandy loam, and it should be loose enough to allow proper aeration and root development.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. glabra Van der Veken can be cultivated in a variety of soil types, such as sandy, loamy, or clayey soils. It thrives well in well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant requires a sunny location to grow. The best time for planting is during spring.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. It is important to ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the hot summer months, more frequent irrigation may be necessary to prevent the soil from drying out.
Fertilization
Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. glabra Van der Veken benefits from fertilization during the growing season. An application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer every four to six weeks can help ensure healthy growth and development. The use of organic fertilizers is also recommended.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. glabra Van der Veken. However, removing dead or damaged leaves can help improve the plant's appearance. Additionally, if the plant becomes too large and overgrown, it can be trimmed back to its desired size and shape.
Propagation of Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. glabra Van der Veken
Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. glabra Van der Veken can be propagated by seeds, division, or tillers.
Propagation by seeds
The plant produces seeds that can be collected when they are mature. Seeds should be sown in pots or trays filled with a well-draining soil mixture. The pots or trays should be kept moist and warm until germination, which should occur within 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by division
Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. glabra Van der Veken can be propagated by dividing the clumps. This is best done in the spring when the new growth begins to emerge. The clumps should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections, making sure that each section has some roots and shoots. The sections can then be replanted in their new location.
Propagation by tillers
Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb. var. glabra Van der Veken can also be propagated by tillers. This involves taking sections of the plant that have several nodes or joints and planting them directly into the ground. The nodes should be planted at a depth of 2-3cm and kept moist until roots and new shoots appear.
Disease Management
Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb var. glabra Van der Veken is relatively resistant to diseases. However, in some cases, it may succumb to certain diseases. For instance, leaf spot diseases caused by fungal pathogens such as Bipolaris spp., Curvularia spp., and Drechslera spp. can affect the plant. The diseases manifest as small, oval-shaped or circular spots on the leaves. The spots may be gray, brown, or black, with a reddish-brown border. The spots coalesce to form irregularly shaped patches, leading to premature defoliation and stunted growth. To manage leaf spot diseases, use fungicides such as azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, or propiconazole. Cultural practices such as proper pruning and spacing can also help to control the diseases.
Pest Management
Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb var. glabra Van der Veken is resistant to most pests. However, it may be attacked by some insect pests. For example, grasshoppers and caterpillars can feed on the leaves, leading to defoliation and stunted growth. Aphids and whiteflies can also infest the plant, causing curling and yellowing of the leaves, and the production of honeydew. The honeydew attracts sooty mold fungi, leading to the growth of the black mold on the leaves. To control insect pests, use insecticides such as carbaryl, permethrin, or cypermethrin. Alternatively, use natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control the pests. Cultural practices such as proper sanitation and pruning can also help to control the pests.
