Origin
Digitaria marginata Link var. fimbriata (Link) Stapf, also known as Fringed crabgrass, is a native plant species to South America, specifically in Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Common Names
Aside from Fringed crabgrass, Digitaria marginata also goes by the common names of Hairy crabgrass, Slender crabgrass, and Brazilian crabgrass.
Appearance
Digitaria marginata var. fimbriata is a type of annual grass characterized by its long and thin leaves that grow upright, measuring up to 50cm in height. These leaves have tiny hairs on their surface which give them a velvety texture, hence the name “Hairy” crabgrass. Its inflorescence is cylindrical and forms a single spike-like panicle that contains small clustered flowers that are green to reddish-purple in color. The plants produce a thick moderate-to-dense mat of foliage that can cover damaged areas of a lawn.
Uses
In some areas of South America, Digitaria marginata is used as a forage plant for cattle. The plant is also perfect for ornamental purposes, roadside planting, and in some cases, it is used as food and medicine by some native tribes. However, Digitaria marginata can also be considered a garden weed, causing damage to your lawn and garden if not controlled or maintained properly.
Light Requirements
The Digitaria marginata Link var. fimbriata (Link) Stapf requires full sun exposure to thrive. This means that the plant should be placed in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria marginata Link var. fimbriata (Link) Stapf thrives best in warm temperatures. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of 18 °C, but it grows best at a temperature range of 25-35 °C.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be well-draining, and the plant prefers soils that are rich in humus content. The pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range between 6.0 to 7.5. Addition of organic matter may be helpful for enhancing the plant growth and vigor.
Cultivation Methods
The Digitaria marginata Link var. fimbriata (Link) Stapf is a warm-season grass that grows well in hot weather. This plant requires well-drained soil and sunlight to thrive. It will do well in fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.5. This grass can be propagated through seed or sodding. Sodding is preferred because it produces quicker results.
Watering Needs
Digitaria marginata Link var. fimbriata (Link) Stapf requires moderate watering. It is drought tolerant and can survive in low rainfall areas. However, it will do best when watered regularly. The soil should be watered to a depth of 6 inches. Watering should be done in the early morning, as this allows the moisture to penetrate the soil and reach the roots without losing too much water to evaporation.
Fertilization
This grass requires frequent fertilization to maintain its vigor and green color. It is recommended that you use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 3-1-2. It should be applied every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. You can also use compost or organic fertilizer to improve soil fertility and structure.
Pruning
Digitaria marginata Link var. fimbriata (Link) Stapf requires minimal pruning. You can trim it down to a height of 2-3 inches if necessary. This can be done at any time of the year. However, avoid cutting it too low, as this may damage the grass and affect its growth. For best results, use a sharp lawnmower blade and avoid scalping the lawn.
Propagation of Digitaria marginata Link var. fimbriata (Link) Stapf
Digitaria marginata Link var. fimbriata (Link) Stapf is primarily propagated through seeds. The plant is a self-seeder and can be harvested in late summer when the seeds turn brown and start falling off. The seeds should be collected carefully and stored in a cool, dry place until the next planting season. It is important to note that the seeds have a short shelf life and may lose viability quickly.
Another method of propagation is through division. The plant can be divided during spring when the new growth appears. The clumps can be carefully dug up, and the roots separated and replanted in a suitable location. This method is beneficial for creating new plants from mature ones or for thinning out overgrown clumps to prevent overcrowding.
Lastly, Digitaria marginata Link var. fimbriata (Link) Stapf can also be propagated through cuttings. However, this method is less effective than seed propagation or division, and it is not commonly used. If using cuttings, choose healthy stems and remove any leaves from the bottom half. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them deeply in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until the cuttings root, which can take several weeks.
Disease Management
Digitaria marginata Link var. fimbriata (Link) Stapf is susceptible to various fungal diseases, which can cause serious damage to the plant. Among the most common diseases seen in this species are leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew.
To manage these diseases, it is important to keep the plant healthy by providing adequate water, nutrients, and light. Remove and dispose of any infected plant debris and avoid overhead watering, which can promote the spread of fungal spores. Fungicides can also be used to control these diseases, but they should be selected based on the specific disease and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Common pests that may infest Digitaria marginata Link var. fimbriata (Link) Stapf include grasshoppers, aphids, and spider mites. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to stunted growth, reduced yield, and even death.
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and identify any signs of infestation. Quarantine any affected plants and remove them from the growing area. Use insecticidal soaps or oils to control aphids and spider mites, while grasshoppers can be controlled using organic sprays such as neem oil. Biological control methods, such as introducing predatory insects, can also be effective in controlling pest populations.
