Overview
Digitaria nuda Schumach. is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is commonly known as naked finger grass or digit grass and is native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Appearance
The plant has a height of up to 1 meter and a width of up to 40 centimeters. It has a short rhizome and slender stem that is erect or ascending. The leaves are long, narrow, and flat with a rough texture. They are usually green or grey-green and have a sharp tip. The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle with many branches that grow up to 15 centimeters long. The spikelets are small and brownish in color.
Uses
Digitaria nuda Schumach. has many uses. It is commonly used for erosion control due to its extensive root system that helps hold soil together. It is also used for grazing, hay, and silage production. The seeds are edible and are used to make porridge, flour, and beer in some African countries. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, dysentery, and rheumatism.
Aside from its practical uses, Digitaria nuda Schumach. is also used for ornamental purposes. Its attractive and finely textured foliage makes it an ideal addition to landscaping projects.
Light Requirements
Digitaria nuda Schumach., commonly known as Naked Finger Grass, prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade will result in poor growth and reduce flowering and seed production.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria nuda Schumach. thrives in warm to hot temperatures and is not frost tolerant. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 35°C. When temperatures exceed 35°C, the plant will experience heat stress, which can limit growth and potentially cause plant death.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria nuda Schumach. prefers well-drained soils but can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It can tolerate soils with a pH ranging from acidic to slightly alkaline. However, the plant will not grow well in soils that are waterlogged, salty, or nutrient-poor.
Cultivation methods
Digitaria nuda Schumach., commonly known as naked finger grass, is a tropical to subtropical grass species. It is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. This grass species requires full sun to grow and should be planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be prepared in advance by loosening it to a depth of about 30 cm and removing any large stones or debris. After planting, the soil must be kept moist until sprouts appear.
Watering needs
Digitaria nuda Schumach. requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. It should be watered deeply but infrequently to promote a deep root system. The plant should be watered only when the soil is dry to a depth of 2-3 inches. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and therefore, it is advised not to water the plant if the soil is already moist.
Fertilization
The naked finger grass requires fertilization occasionally to maintain healthy growth, especially in soils that lack nutrients. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer should be applied during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the roots, taking care not to let it come into contact with the foliage. Avoid fertilizing the plant during winters as it is a dormant season for the grass.
Pruning
Pruning Digitaria nuda Schumach. is not necessary, but it can help maintain the plant's appearance. The grass may develop a stringy, unkempt appearance if left unpruned. Mowing the plant when it reaches a height of about 6-8 inches is sufficient to maintain its appearance. The best time to prune is during the growing season when the grass is actively growing.
Propagation of Digitaria nuda Schumach.
Digitaria nuda Schumach. is a perennial grass that is easy to propagate through both sexual and vegetative methods. The plant is commonly referred to as the Naked Finger Grass, and it is found in many parts of Africa.
Sexual propagation
The plant produces seeds that can be used to propagate new plants. The seeds can be easily collected from mature plants and can be stored for an extended period without losing their viability. The seeds need to be germinated in a well-draining soil mix that is kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Digitaria nuda Schumach. can be done using different methods. One of the most common methods is through division. The plant has a clumping growth habit that makes it easy to divide. The best time to divide the plant is during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
Another method of vegetative propagation is through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from the mature plant, and they should be at least six inches in length. The cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until new growth emerges.
Overall, both sexual and vegetative propagation methods for Digitaria nuda Schumach. are effective and can be used to create new plants. The plant is easy to propagate and can be a great addition to any garden or landscape.
Disease Management for Digitaria nuda Schumach.
Digitaria nuda Schumach. is susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot. Leaf spot manifests as elongated brown spots on the plant's leaves and can spread from leaf to leaf. To prevent the spread of fungal diseases, it is important to maintain proper planting density, avoid overcrowding, and maintain good soil drainage. Moreover, regularly removing and destroying all diseased plant parts can be effective. Applying a fungicide can also be an option for severe cases.
Pest Management for Digitaria nuda Schumach.
The most common pests affecting Digitaria nuda Schumach. are the fall armyworm and the stem borer. These pests feed on the plant's foliage, leaving it damaged and in severe cases, the plant can die. Crop rotation, removal of crop residues, and weed management are essential in controlling pests. Also, planting early and ensuring timely harvesting can reduce pest infestations by limiting the time that the plant is susceptible to infestation.
To control these pests, using integrated pest management practices such as scouting, timely insecticide application, and the use of resistant crop varieties can be effective. Also, natural enemies and predators of the pests such as parasitoids and predators can be encouraged by planting companion plants like marigold and mint.
It is vital to adhere to the recommended guidelines for pesticide application to avoid contamination of the environment and ensure safety for human consumption.