Overview
Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne is a type of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family, which is native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is commonly referred to as Itchgrass due to its ability to cause skin irritation. This plant has been recognized as an invasive weed in many parts of the world, including the United States, where it disrupts the growth and development of other cultivated crops.
Description
Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne typically grows up to 60 centimeters in height, with stems that are slender and erect. The blades are extended and usually glabrous above, while the sheaths are hairy. The inflorescence is composed of several racemes that are digitate and arranged in a whorl. The spikelets are purplish and can be tinged with green or white, with one floret standing alone atop each pedicel.
Uses
Despite being regarded as a nuisance by farmers, Itchgrass has some medicinal properties. The plant has been used in African traditional medicine to treat constipation and intestinal disorders. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Additionally, the seeds of this plant are used for bird feed.
Cultivation
Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne grows best in sandy soils that can hold moisture and are low in fertility. It is a very competitive weed that grows quickly, taking over land that could be farmed for other crops. It is primarily propagated by seed and can reproduce rapidly under favorable conditions. Control measures for this plant usually involve herbicides, tillage, or hand weeding.
Growth Conditions for Digitaria Pruriens Var. Microbachne
Light: The Digitaria Pruriens var. microbachne plant grows best in full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for proper growth and development.
Temperature: The plant prefers a warm climate and is well adapted to thrive in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 25-35°C but can tolerate as low as 15°C and as high as 40°C.
Soil: This plant grows in diverse soil types but prefers well-drained soils with pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.5). It also thrives in fertile soils rich in nutrients, organic matter, and minerals. The soil should be deep and loamy with excellent water holding capacity.
Water: The plant requires a consistent supply of water to sustain growth, especially during dry seasons. However, it can tolerate short periods of drought as long as it is not prolonged. The ideal irrigation schedule is once per week, providing about 2.5cm of water per application.
Fertilizer: The Digitaria Pruriens var. microbachne requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and production. The ideal fertilizer should contain a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A soil test is necessary to determine the exact fertilizer amounts required for a particular soil type.
Pests and Diseases: The plant is susceptible to pests such as armyworms, cutworms, and aphids, which can cause significant damage to the crop. Diseases such as Leaf spot and Turfgrass disease can also affect crop yield. Therefore, appropriate measures, including crop rotation, use of resistant cultivars, and proper fungicide and pesticide application should be taken to minimize pest and disease infestation.
Cultivation Methods for Digitaria pruriens
Digitaria pruriens, commonly referred to as Itchgrass or Tropical Crabgrass, is a warm-season grass. It requires well-drained soils, and its growth is optimal during hot and rainy weather conditions.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or vegetatively by stolons, culms, and rhizomes. The best time to plant the grass is during the rainy season as it can grow faster and has a better chance of surviving initial transplant shock.
Itchgrass requires moderate to high sunlight exposure, and it is ideal to plant it in areas exposed to full or partial sunlight.
Watering Needs for Digitaria pruriens
Itchgrass requires frequent watering, and it is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering the grass once or twice a week is ideal, and the amount of water should be enough to soak the top six inches of soil.
During periods of drought or high temperatures, the plant may require more frequent watering or additional irrigation to prevent the grass from drying out.
Fertilization for Digitaria pruriens
Itchgrass is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and appearance. The grass should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula, every two to three months.
It is important to avoid over-fertilizing the grass, as this can lead to thatch buildup and reduce the plant's overall vigor and health.
Pruning for Digitaria pruriens
Regular pruning is not necessary for Itchgrass, but occasional pruning can help to maintain the plant's appearance and control its growth.
Pruning can be done using a sharp mower, and the grass should be mowed at a height of about 2-3 inches. It is recommended to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade during a mowing session.
If the grass becomes overgrown or unkempt, it can be cut back to a height of about one inch from the ground to rejuvenate its growth and appearance.
Propagation Methods of Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne
Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne, commonly known as Itchgrass, is a warm-season annual grass that grows fast, making it easier to propagate. There are different methods that farmers and gardeners can use to propagate this plant, including:
1. Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne. The seeds are collected from the parent plant and sown in a seedbed or directly in the field. Before sowing, the seeds should be treated with a fungicide to protect them from fungal infections. The seeds normally germinate in 7-10 days, and they should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist until they are established.
2. Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne. This method involves taking stem cuttings or dividing a mature plant into small pieces that can be planted in a new location. Before planting, the stem cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage rooting. Vegetative propagation is a quick way to establish new plants and is often used in commercial farming settings.
3. Transplanting
Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne can also be propagated through transplanting. This method involves uprooting and transplanting seedlings from a seedbed to a new location or field. The seedlings should be uprooted carefully to avoid damaging their roots. Transplanting should be done during the early stages of growth, and the plants should be watered regularly to help them establish quickly in their new location.
Overall, propagating Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne is relatively easy, and farmers and gardeners can use any of these methods to establish new plants in their fields or gardens.
Disease Management for Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne
Diseases that commonly affect Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne include:
- Pearl Millet Rust: This fungal disease causes orange-brown pustules to appear on leaves and stems. To manage this disease, infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately. Also, avoid planting susceptible crops in the same location for consecutive growing seasons.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark lesions to form on leaves and stems. To manage this disease, use disease-free seeds or seedlings and avoid excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers.
- Leaf Blight: This fungal disease causes water-soaked lesions to form on leaves. If caught early, leaf blight can be managed using fungicides. However, good plant spacing and proper irrigation can also help prevent the spread of this disease.
Pest Management for Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne
Pests that commonly affect Digitaria pruriens var. microbachne include:
- Armyworms: These caterpillars feed on plant leaves, causing extensive damage. To manage armyworms, monitor plants regularly and apply insecticides according to label instructions if an infestation is detected.
- Aphids: These small insects feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance that can attract other pests. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, into the garden.
- Root-Knot Nematodes: These microscopic pests feed on plant roots, causing stunted growth and reduced yields. To manage root-knot nematodes, use nematode-resistant plant varieties and rotate crops annually.
