Origin
Digitaria parlatorei (Steud.) Chiov. var. phaeotricha Chiov. is a species of grass that is native to Africa.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as brown-haired fingergrass, or simply, brown fingergrass.
Uses
Digitaria parlatorei var. phaeotricha is used for animal forage and can also be used for soil conservation. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in areas with poor soil quality. It is often found on fallow land in Africa.
General Appearance
The brown-haired fingergrass is a slender, erect perennial grass that grows to be about 30-70 cm tall. It has an open and spreading inflorescence with brownish spikelets that appear in the late summer or early autumn. The leaves are long, narrow, and pointed, and can be between 4-20 cm in length.
Light requirements
Digitaria parlatorei var. phaeotricha grows best in full sun. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth. Lack of adequate light can cause stunted growth and reduced productivity of the plant.
Temperature requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in warm conditions. A temperature range of 20 to 30 °C is ideal for its growth. Temperatures above 35 °C can harm the plant, causing wilting and reduced growth. At temperatures below 15°C, the growth of the plant slows down, and in extreme conditions, plant death can occur.
Soil requirements
The species prefers well-draining soils that are nutrient-rich and slightly acidic. It grows well in sandy loam soils that have a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. The soil should be fertile and have sufficient organic matter to support the growth of the species. The plant is tolerant to drought conditions but requires adequate moisture during the germination stage and the early stages of growth.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria parlatorei (Steud.) Chiov. var. phaeotricha Chiov. can be cultivated in many different soil types like sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. It can tolerate high temperatures and dry weather conditions.
Watering Needs
The watering needs for Digitaria parlatorei (Steud.) Chiov. var. phaeotricha Chiov. depend on the soil type, weather conditions, and growth stage of the plant. Generally, this plant prefers regular watering during the initial stage of growth to promote root development. Once established, it can tolerate drought conditions.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the growth and development of Digitaria parlatorei (Steud.) Chiov. var. phaeotricha Chiov. A balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) can be applied once every three months during the growing season. Organic fertilizers like compost and manure can also be used to enrich the soil and supply essential nutrients for plant growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Digitaria parlatorei (Steud.) Chiov. var. phaeotricha Chiov. However, it can be beneficial to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems. This can improve the overall appearance of the plant and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done during the growing season, and sharp pruning tools should be used to avoid causing damage to the plant.
Propagation of Digitaria parlatorei var. phaeotricha
Digitaria parlatorei var. phaeotricha is commonly propagated by seeding or vegetative propagation. Here's a breakdown of each method:
Seeding
The recommended time for seeding is in the early spring or late summer. Sow the seeds in shallow furrows and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged until germination begins, which usually takes 10-14 days. The seedlings can be transplanted into their final location when they have developed a few leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria parlatorei var. phaeotricha can be propagated through vegetative means such as division or cuttings. Use a sharp knife or garden shears to remove a healthy stem portion from the parent plant and plant it in a pot with well-draining, moist soil. Place the pot in a well-lit, warm area and keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop.
When dividing the plant, ensure that each division has at least a few healthy roots intact. Plant each division into a pot with well-draining soil and keep them in a warm, well-lit area. Water consistently, keeping the soil moist until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Digitaria parlatorei var. phaeotricha Chiov. is generally resistant to most diseases, but it is vulnerable to foliar diseases such as rust. Rust is a fungal disease that appears as yellow or orange pustules on the leaves. To manage rust on Digitaria parlatorei var. phaeotricha Chiov., remove infected leaves and avoid wetting the foliage while watering. Fungicides can also help to manage rust if the infection is severe.
Pest Management
Digitaria parlatorei var. phaeotricha Chiov. is susceptible to infestations by pests such as armyworms, cutworms, and grasshoppers. Armyworms and cutworms are caterpillar pests that feed on the plant's foliage and stems, causing wilting and stunted growth. Grasshoppers are voracious feeders that can consume entire plants. To manage these pests, handpicking and placing sticky traps in the vicinity of the plants are effective. Biological control agents such as parasitic wasps can also aid in managing these pests. Using insecticides is another option, but it is advised to use natural remedies as much as possible.
