Digitaria Polybotrya Stapf

Origin

Digitaria polybotrya Stapf, commonly known as 'Tanzania grass,' is originally from Tanzania, which is located in East Africa.

Common Names

Tanzania grass is a colloquial name given to Digitaria polybotrya Stapf. It is also known as Rhodes grass, elephant grass, or panicum grass in different parts of the world.

Uses

Tanzania grass is primarily grown for animal feed due to its high nutrition value. The grass is rich in protein, calcium, and other minerals, which makes it an ideal choice for feeding livestock and poultry. It is also used as a cover crop and for erosion control in many regions. The grass's extensive root system helps reduce soil erosion and increase soil fertility where it is grown.

General Appearance

The Tanzania grass usually grows up to a height of 2-3 meters and has a stem diameter of 1-2 cm. The leaves are long and thin, measuring between 30-60 cm in length and 4-10 mm in width. The grass produces greenish-white or purple flowers from the middle of summer to late autumn. Tanzania grass is a warm-season grass that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It can grow in a diverse range of soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile soil for optimal growth.

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Light Requirements

Digitaria polybotrya Stapf typically requires bright, indirect light to grow properly. It can tolerate full sun but prefers a lightly shaded area. It is not recommended to grow this plant in low light conditions as it can weaken the growth and cause the leaves to become yellowish.

Temperature Requirements

Digitaria polybotrya Stapf is a warm-season grass that thrives in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 95°F (21°C to 35°C). It can tolerate lower temperatures but can suffer from frost damage when exposed to temperatures below 25°F (-4°C). It is best to keep this plant in an environment with a consistent temperature range.

Soil Requirements

Digitaria polybotrya Stapf prefers a well-draining soil that contains a high amount of organic matter. It can thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. This plant can tolerate both sandy and clay soils, but it prefers loamy soils that have a mix of sand, silt, and clay. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as excessive watering can lead to root rot.

Cultivation Methods

Digitaria polybotrya Stapf is a warm-season grass that grows best in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers full sun exposure and well-draining soil. The plant can be propagated by seed or vegetatively, through plugs or division.

Watering Needs

Watering Digitaria polybotrya Stapf requires moderate watering. The plant needs to be watered deeply to encourage deep roots, but it also doesn't tolerate overwatering. During the hotter or dry months, the plant may require more water.

Fertilization

Digitaria polybotrya Stapf grows best in nutrient-rich soil. A balanced fertilizer of 10-10-10 can be applied in the early stages of the plant's growth. A slow-release fertilizer can also be applied to maintain the soil's nutrients during the growing season.

Pruning

Digitaria polybotrya Stapf does not require much pruning. However, it is recommended to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems to encourage new growth. The plant can also be trimmed to maintain its shape, but it is important not to cut too much of the plant as it may harm the plant's growth.

Propagation of Digitaria Polybotrya Stapf

Digitaria polybotrya Stapf is propagated through both vegetative and sexual means.

Vegetative propagation

Asexual propagation of D. Polybotrya is done mainly through stolons and rhizomes. To propagate by this method, stolons or rhizomes are cut or dug up and planted in favorable growth conditions. The stolons and rhizomes will develop into a new plant, which will be identical to the parent plant. The parent plant should be healthy and free from pests and diseases for this method to work optimally.

Sexual propagation

Digitaria polybotrya Stapf can also be propagated sexually through seeds. The plant produces seeds throughout the year, but the peak period is during summer and autumn. To propagate through seeds, the seeds are collected and stored in a cool, dry place until planting time. The seeds should be sown on a prepared bed of weed-free soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. Water the bed gently, and germination will occur after about one to two weeks.

It is essential to note that successful seed propagation of D. Polybotrya is highly dependent on good soil preparation, appropriate soil moisture content, and suitable temperature conditions. Thus, seed propagation should be done under controlled conditions, such as in a greenhouse, to ensure optimum germination rates.

Disease Management

One of the common diseases that can affect Digitaria polybotrya, also known as the Tenera fingergrass, is Fusarium wilt. This fungal disease attacks the plant's roots and can spread quickly, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this disease, ensure that your plants are grown in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Remove infected plants and destroy them to prevent further spread.

Another disease that can infect Digitaria polybotrya is Leaf Spot, which is a fungal infection that causes circular brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, apply fungicides as soon as you notice the symptoms. You can also prune infected leaves and avoid overhead watering to prevent splashing of water on the foliage.

Pest Management

One of the common pests that can attack Digitaria polybotrya is the armyworm. These caterpillars feed on the leaves, causing significant damage to the plant. To manage armyworms, use insecticides or biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to kill the caterpillars.

Another pest that can attack the Tenera fingergrass is the grasshopper. These pests have chewing mouth-parts that can cause severe damage to the leaves, and in severe cases, they can completely defoliate the plant. To manage grasshoppers, use insecticides or predators such as birds and parasitic wasps.