Overview
Digitaria phaeotricha (Chiov.) Robyns var. paucipilosa Ball. is a species of plant in the family Poaceae. It is commonly known as the brown-hair crabgrass or Digitaria grass. This plant is native to Africa and has been widely introduced and naturalized in many parts of the world.
Appearance
The brown-hair crabgrass is an annual plant that can grow up to 50 cm in height. It has a sprawling growth habit and stems that are ascending or decumbent, rooting at the nodes. The leaves are narrow, linear, and up to 20 cm long. The inflorescences are spikelike and have several spikes that are 2-8 cm long. The spikelets are brown or purplish-brown and have several flowers.
Uses
Traditionally, brown-hair crabgrass was used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments such as stomach pains, dysentery, and diarrhea. The plant has also been used as a forage crop for livestock and as a green manure to improve soil fertility. Additionally, it is commonly used as an ornamental plant and as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes.
hereLight Requirements
Digitaria phaeotricha var. paucipilosa requires full sunlight to grow properly. It cannot tolerate shady environments and needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. This is because the plant utilizes sunlight for photosynthesis, which is the primary source of energy for plant growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Digitaria phaeotricha var. paucipilosa is between 22°C to 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate extremely low temperatures, and frost can cause serious damage, including death. The plant also cannot withstand high temperatures beyond 35°C, which can lead to wilting of the leaves and eventual death.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. However, it can also tolerate poor soils with low fertility. It grows well in sandy, loamy, and clayey soils, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria phaeotricha (Chiov.) Robyns var. paucipilosa Ball. is a warm-season grass that is best grown in full sunlight. It prefers well-drained soil, and it can tolerate a range of soil types. This plant can be propagated by seed or vegetatively from stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
In terms of water requirements, Digitaria phaeotricha (Chiov.) Robyns var. paucipilosa Ball. prefers to be kept in a consistently moist soil. However, it can also tolerate periods of drought, but it is necessary to ensure that soil is not too dry for an extended period.
Fertilization
The best time to fertilize Digitaria phaeotricha (Chiov.) Robyns var. paucipilosa Ball. is during the active growing season, which is typically in the summer and early fall months. Use a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning
Digitaria phaeotricha (Chiov.) Robyns var. paucipilosa Ball. does not require much pruning. However, to maintain a neat and tidy appearance, it is recommended to remove dead or damaged leaves periodically throughout the growing season. Additionally, if the plant becomes too tall or leggy, it can be pruned back to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Digitaria phaeotricha var. paucipilosa
Digitaria phaeotricha var. paucipilosa, commonly known as brownseed crabgrass, can be propagated through sowing seeds or by vegetative propagation.
Propagation by Seeds
The ideal time for sowing the seeds of Digitaria phaeotricha var. paucipilosa is during the spring or summer season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1cm in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Germination of the seeds usually takes 10-14 days, and after 2-3 months, the plants will be established enough to be transplanted into their permanent location.
Propagation by Vegetative Propagation
Digitaria phaeotricha var. paucipilosa can also be propagated by vegetative propagation using stem cuttings. The best time for taking stem cuttings is during the spring season when the plant is actively growing.
The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants that are free from diseases. The cuttings should be about 5-7cm in length, and the lower leaves should be removed to expose the lower nodes.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mix that is moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they produce new growth.
Diseases
Digitaria phaeotricha is known to be susceptible to foliar diseases such as leaf spot, yellow leaf spot, and rust.
Leaf spot disease appears as small, brown, and water-soaked circular spots on the leaves. Infected leaves may ultimately turn yellow and die. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and use a fungicide according to the manufacturer's directions.
Yellow leaf spot is characterized by small, yellow circular lesions on the leaves that may merge to create larger patches of yellow. The disease progresses to affect the entire leaf and ultimately result in defoliation. To control yellow leaf spot, remove infected leaves and prune the plant to increase airflow.
Rust appears as yellow, brown, or black pustules on the undersides of the leaves. Infected plants may exhibit defoliation and stop growing. To control rust on Digitaria phaeotricha, remove infected leaves and prune the plant to increase airflow. A fungicide may also be applied.
Pests
The most common pest to affect Digitaria phaeotricha is the armyworm.
Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on the leaves and stems of plants. Heavy infestations may lead to defoliation and stunt plant growth. To manage armyworms, handpick and remove caterpillars from the plant or use a pesticide according to the manufacturer's directions.
