Origin
Digitaria melinioides Mez is a species of grass native to tropical Africa. It has since been introduced to other parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas where it has become an invasive weed.
Common Names
Digitaria melinioides Mez is known by a variety of common names including smooth fingergrass, small crabgrass, and Bermuda grass.
Uses
Digitaria melinioides Mez is primarily grown for forage and erosion control. It is also used as a lawn grass in some countries. In traditional African medicine, the plant is used to treat a variety of ailments including diarrhea, fever, and stomach disorders.
General Appearance
Digitaria melinioides Mez is a perennial grass that can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has slender stems that are often reddish-purple in color and can form thick mats. The leaves are narrow and can range from dark green to red. The inflorescence is a spikelike panicle that can reach up to 20cm in length. The plant has a fibrous root system that can help with erosion control.
Light Requirements
The plant Digitaria melinioides Mez can tolerate both full sunlight and partial shade. It grows best when exposed to at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria melinioides Mez are known to thrive in tropical and subtropical areas where temperatures range from 20-35°C. It requires warmth to grow optimally. It becomes dormant in the winter and thrives again during the summer.
Soil Requirements
The grass has a preference for well-draining, loamy soils. The pH range of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5). It is well-adapted to both sandy and clay soils, provided they are well-draining. This grass cannot tolerate waterlogged areas and prefers to grow in soils that are moist but not saturated.
Cultivation methods
Digitaria melinioides Mez is a warm-season grass that thrives in tropical areas. It is grown from seed or stem cuttings. For optimal growth, it requires full sunlight and well-draining soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter or supplemented with appropriate fertilizers.
Watering needs
Watering needs for Digitaria melinioides Mez are low to moderate. It should be watered only when the soil is dry. It is tolerant to drought, so its roots and shoots should not remain in wet soil for extended periods. A deep watering every 5-7 days is sufficient for healthy growth.
Fertilization
Digitaria melinioides Mez responds well to fertilizers rich in nitrogen and potassium. The application of a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season is recommended. However, excessive use of fertilizers can lead to excessive growth and make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Digitaria melinioides Mez preservation method relies on regular pruning or mowing. The ideal height of the plant should be between 1-2 inches, and pruning should be carried out at a frequency of about every two weeks or more frequently. Pruning or mowing helps to remove dead parts and stimulate new growth. Sharp tools should be used to prevent tearing of the leaves and stems.
Propagation Methods for Digitaria melinioides Mez
Digitaria melinioides Mez, also known as Australian or slender digtaria, can be propagated by a variety of methods including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and division.
Seed Propagation
Digitaria melinioides Mez can be grown from seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil and kept moist. Germination typically occurs within 14 to 21 days. Seedlings should be monitored for appropriate light levels and watered as necessary.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves taking cuttings or divisions from mature plants to create new plants. Digitaria melinioides Mez can be propagated through stem or root cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant and placed in a well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and provide appropriate light levels for successful rooting.
Division
Another propagation method for Digitaria melinioides Mez is division. The best time to divide the plant is during the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. Dig up the root ball of the plant and gently separate the sections, being sure to keep the roots intact. Replant the separated sections in a well-draining soil and water as needed.
Disease Management
Digitaria melinioides Mez, commonly known as "hairy crabgrass," is susceptible to various diseases. Prevention is the most effective way to manage these diseases. Planting disease-resistant varieties, maintaining proper plant nutrition and sanitation practices, and providing adequate ventilation and drainage can help prevent disease outbreaks.
Fungal diseases such as anthracnose and dollar spot are common on hairy crabgrass. Fungicides can be effective in preventing and managing these diseases. Applying fungicides according to their specific instructions and using appropriate protective gear can help control the disease's spread.
Pest Management
Digitaria melinioides Mez is susceptible to various pests, including insects and mammals. Some of the common pests that can affect the plant are armyworms, cutworms, white grubs, and deer.
Various techniques can be used to control pests on hairy crabgrass. Insecticides can be effective in controlling insect infestations. These insecticides must be chosen and applied correctly to avoid harming beneficial organisms or posing a risk to human or animal health.
For mammals such as deer, physical barriers can be used, including fencing or deer repellents. Landscaping choices, such as using deer-resistant plants or planting gardens away from deer-prone areas, can also deter mammals from feeding on the crabgrass.
Monitoring the hairy crabgrass regularly can help detect pest infestations and disease outbreaks early. Early detection allows for timely management and can prevent further spread or damage.
