Digitaria Pirifera (chiov.) Chiov.

Origin of Digitaria pirifera

Digitaria pirifera (Chiov.) Chiov., commonly known as button grass or apple grass, is a species of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. This plant is native to southern and eastern Africa, particularly in countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

Common Names

The common names for Digitaria pirifera include button grass and apple grass, which are given due to the plant's unique seedhead which resembles a button or an apple core.

Uses of Digitaria pirifera

Digitaria pirifera is typically used in the making of hay as a forage crop for livestock. Additionally, the young leaves of the plant can be used as a source of food for humans. Indigenous tribes in Africa have been known to consume the leaves as a type of vegetable or boiled and used in stews.

General Appearance of Digitaria pirifera

Digitaria pirifera is a perennial grass that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has long and narrow leaves that can reach up to 30 cm in length and 3 cm in width. The seedheads of the plant are unique, clustered at the top of the stems and shaped like small buttons or apple cores. They are typically 5-10 mm in diameter and reddish-brown in color.

Light Requirements

Digitaria pirifera typically grows in full sun or partial shade. When grown in areas with high shade, there is a reduced growth rate and the leaves may become elongated. The plant can adapt to different levels of light, but optimal growth occurs in full sun conditions.

Temperature Requirements

The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions, and thrives in warm temperatures. Optimal growth occurs at temperatures between 20°C and 25°C. Digitaria pirifera can tolerate high temperatures of up to 35°C and low temperatures of 10°C, but not for extended periods.

Soil Requirements

Digitaria pirifera prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil for optimal growth. The soil should have good water-holding capacity to avoid drought stress. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5), but the plant can tolerate slightly alkaline soils. Adequate soil fertility and organic matter are crucial for optimal growth.

Cultivation of Digitaria pirifera

Digitaria pirifera is a warm-season grass that prefers warm temperatures to grow. It is native to Africa, but it can grow well in many other parts of the world. If you plan to cultivate this plant, ensure you provide the necessary conditions for it to thrive.

Watering Needs

Digitaria pirifera requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure the containers or garden bed has drainage holes. In case of drought, increase watering frequency and quantity.

Fertilization

Digitaria pirifera requires regular fertilization to grow healthy and strong. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Apply the fertilizer before the growing season and reapply every four to six weeks.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and height of Digitaria pirifera. Use a sharp pair of pruning shears to cut off the dead and damaged portions of the plant. It is best to prune the plant during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.

Propagation of Digitaria pirifera

Digitaria pirifera (Chiov.) Chiov. is a warm-season perennial grass that is predominantly propagated vegetatively. The following are the primary methods of propagating Digitaria pirifera:

Vegetative Propagation

Digitaria pirifera can be propagated through stem cuttings, rhizomes or tiller separation. Using stem cuttings is the easiest method of propagation, where a stem cutting is taken and planted in a pot with soil that is kept moist. However, using rhizomes or tiller separation is the most successful method of propagation, since it helps to maintain the genetic diversity of the original plant. In rhizome propagation, select healthy, young rhizomes with at least one node and plant them. In tiller separation, young tillers from the parent plant are dug up and transplanted into moist soil.

Seed Propagation

Seed propagation is less common as it can result in less genetic variation. However, since Digitaria pirifera produces large amounts of seeds, it can be used for mass propagation. The seeds are collected when they are mature by cutting the seed heads, drying them and threshing the seeds. The seedbed where the seeds will be sowed should be well prepared and tilled. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about half an inch and covered with soil. The area should be kept moist and well-watered for the first few weeks until germination occurs, and then watered as needed.

Diseases

Digitaria pirifera can be affected by several diseases, including:

• Leaf spot diseases
• Fungal diseases
• Viral infections

Leaf spot diseases are the most common diseases that affect Digitaria pirifera. These diseases cause small necrotic spots on the leaves and eventually lead to defoliation. Fungal diseases like anthracnose and downy mildew can also cause damage to the plant. Viral infections can cause stunted growth and reduced yield.

To manage these diseases, it is essential to keep the plant healthy by providing optimal growing conditions and avoiding stress factors. It is best to remove diseased plant parts and burn them to stop the spread of the disease. Fungicides and pesticides can be used as a preventive measure, but it is crucial to choose a product that is safe for the plant and the environment.

Pests

Digitaria pirifera can be attacked by many pests. The common pests include:

• Caterpillars
• Grasshoppers
• Armyworms
• Mites
• Aphids

Caterpillars like the fall armyworm can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to yield losses. Grasshoppers and armyworms can also cause defoliation and damage to the plant. Mites can cause stippling on the leaves, and aphids can distort the plant's growth by feeding on the sap.

It is best to use pest-resistant cultivars and eliminate weeds around the plant, which can attract pests. Introducing natural predators like lady beetles can also be helpful in controlling pest infestations. In severe cases, insecticides can be used, but care must be taken to choose a safe and effective product.