Origin of Digitaria pruriens
Digitaria pruriens (Fisch. ex Trin.) Büse, also known as the Itchgrass, is a tropical weed native to Asia and Africa. It was first described by Friedrich August Marschall von Bieberstein, a German botanist, in 1809.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Itchgrass because it can cause severe itching and irritation to the skin if touched. It is also known as Tropical finger grass, Woolly finger grass, and Tropical crabgrass.
Uses of Digitaria pruriens
Digitaria pruriens has some medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, it has been used to treat skin diseases, fever, and diarrhea. The plant is also used to feed livestock in some parts of the world.
General Appearance of Digitaria pruriens
The plant is an annual grass that can grow up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are arranged alternately and have a hairy texture. It produces flowers in clusters called panicles that are up to 10 cm long. The seeds are small and oval-shaped, and they have a hard outer layer.
Digitaria pruriens is a fast-growing plant that can invade and dominate areas of land, making it a problematic weed in some countries.
Light Requirements:
Digitaria pruriens thrives in an environment with a significant amount of sunlight. It requires full sun exposure for at least six hours per day for optimal growth. Since it is a warm-season grass, it grows best in bright sunlight and warm temperatures, typically between 80-90°F.
Temperature Requirements:
Digitaria pruriens grows best in warm temperatures and is known for its heat tolerance. It can tolerate dry conditions and temperatures above 90°F. The plant does not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures, and its growth is stunted in cold conditions. Typically, it grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Soil Requirements:
The plant is known for its ability to grow well in various soil types, but it thrives in well-drained, sandy loam soils. Soil pH levels should be between 5.5-7.5, and it prefers soil fertility between medium to high. Fertilization with nitrogen may be necessary if the soil lacks the nutrients needed for the plant's optimal growth. Good soil preparation before planting typically ensures successful growth.
Cultivation Method
Digitaria pruriens is a tropical grass species that can be grown in various soils that are well-drained, loamy, and with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. This species is best grown in full sunlight, and its seeds can be directly sown in the pre-moistened soil at a depth of about 1 cm. The ideal temperature for germination is between 25°C to 30°C.
Watering Needs
Digitaria pruriens requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Watering should be done sparingly, preferably with drip irrigation or by directly watering the soil. It is important to note that this species does not tolerate waterlogging, so the soil should not be watered excessively.
Fertilization
This plant species needs regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. A balanced granular fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied at planting time and every month throughout the growing season. Additionally, organic fertilizers can also be added to the soil for better results.
Pruning
Pruning can help keep Digitaria pruriens in good shape. Cutting the grass to a height of 10 to 15 cm when it reaches about 25 cm, especially during the growing season, promotes lush and vigorous growth. Dead leaves and damaged stems should be trimmed to improve the grass's overall appearance and health.
Propagation of Digitaria pruriens
Digitaria pruriens (Fisch. ex Trin.) Büse, commonly known as "itchy finger grass," is a perennial grass species that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to East Asia and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. This grass species is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicines for the treatment of several ailments.
Propagation Methods for Digitaria pruriens
Digitaria pruriens can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The following are the most common propagation methods for Digitaria pruriens:
1. Seed Propagation
Digitaria pruriens can be propagated through seed. The seeds can be directly sown in the soil. The optimum time for sowing is in the spring season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks. The seedlings should be thinned out once they reach a height of 2-3 inches.
2. Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Digitaria pruriens is carried out through stem cuttings. The stems should be cut from the parent plant, preferably during the active growing season. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist until they establish roots. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into pots or in the ground.
3. Division
Digitaria pruriens can also be propagated through division. The best time for dividing the plant is during the active growing season. The plant should be carefully dug out from the soil and divided into several smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system. The divided plants should be transplanted into well-drained soil and kept moist until they establish roots.
Overall, Digitaria pruriens is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and it can quickly establish itself in suitable growing conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria Pruriens
Digitaria Pruriens (Fisch. ex Trin.) Büse, commonly known as the Itch Grass or Tropical Crabgrass, is a warm-season annual grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. This plant is native to Africa but is now found worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. Itch Grass is an essential forage crop, particularly in dry areas, but it is primarily regarded as a weed in cultivated areas and pastures because of its aggressive growth and the problems it causes in livestock. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Digitaria Pruriens and the ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf Blight: Digitaria Pruriens is susceptible to leaf blight, which is caused by the fungus Curvularia lunata. The disease causes the leaves to turn brown, die, and eventually wither, resulting in reduced growth and yields. It can be managed by applying fungicides such as Triadimefon or Trifloxystrobin before the disease appears, ensuring good drainage, and rotating crops.
Digitaria Streak Virus: This virus causes severe yellowing and stunting of the plant. Managing this virus involves using virus-free seed for planting, controlling the insect vector of the virus, which is the leafhopper, and removing infected plants to prevent the spread of the virus to healthy plants.
Pests
Cutworms: Cutworms are common pests that attack Digitaria Pruriens at the seeding stage. These pests hide in the soil during the day and emerge at night to cut seedlings at the base. To manage them, use seed treatments like clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and fipronil, use light traps to catch them at night, and keep fields free of debris that could serve as hiding places for the larvae.
Armyworms: Armyworms are voracious feeders that attack Digitaria Pruriens during the growing season. They can cause large-scale damage to plants if not controlled. To manage them, apply insecticides such as lambda-cyhalothrin, chlorantraniliprole, and spinetoram when the infestation is severe and monitor the fields closely to detect any signs of infestation early.
Cattle Grub Worms: These pests are the larvae of a type of fly and attack the roots of Digitaria Pruriens, causing yellowing, stunting, and eventually death of the plant. Managing them involves applying insecticides such as diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and coumaphos to kill the larvae before they mature, using rotation grazing practices, and keeping fields free of manure to prevent further infestation.
In conclusion, disease and pest management is crucial to the success of Digitaria Pruriens cultivation and to ensure good yields. Farmers should employ the above methods to prevent and manage diseases and pests for a healthy crop.
