Digitaria radicosa (Presl) Miq.
Digitaria radicosa is a perennial creeping grass, also known by its common name, tropical crabgrass. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia, and is considered a weed in many areas.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by various names throughout its range, including tropical crabgrass, finger grass, hairy crabgrass, and Asian crabgrass.
Uses
While Digitaria radicosa is considered a weed in many areas, it does have some useful properties. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and wounds. Additionally, it has been used as forage for livestock and can be used in erosion control and soil stabilization projects. Despite its uses, it can also pose a risk to crops, as it competes with them for water and nutrients.
General Appearance
Digitaria radicosa has sprawling stems that can grow up to 50 cm long, sometimes rooting at the nodes. Its leaves are narrow and can vary in size from 1 to 15 cm long and 2 to 8 mm wide. The plant produces flowers on spikes that can grow up to 10 cm long and are typically green or purple.
hereLight Requirements
Digitaria radicosa typically grows well in bright, direct sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially during hot summer months with intense sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow well in a wide range of temperatures, from about 18°C to 30°C. However, it grows best in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost and prefers warm, humid climates.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria radicosa prefers well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients and organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, as long as they are well-draining. The soil pH range should be between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged or flooded soils.
Cultivation of Digitaria radicosa
Digitaria radicosa, also known as tropical crabgrass, is a warm-season grass that thrives in hot and humid conditions. It is commonly grown as a turf grass in tropical regions, but can also be grown as a forage crop or in containers for ornamental purposes.
Watering Needs
Digitaria radicosa needs regular watering to thrive. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on your climate, soil type, and the stage of growth of the plant. During dry spells, it may be necessary to water the plant daily, but during the rainy season, you may only need to water it once or twice a week.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for healthy growth of Digitaria radicosa. A soil test will help determine the nutrient requirements of the plant. Generally, the grass requires moderate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize in early spring and late summer with balanced fertilizer that contains all the necessary macro and micronutrients. A slow-release fertilizer is preferred as it will supply the nutrients over an extended period.
Pruning
Digitaria radicosa does not require extensive pruning. However, it is important to keep the grass at a manageable height to maintain its appearance and promote healthy growth. If planted as a turf, mow the grass to a height of 2-3 inches. If grown in containers or for ornamental purposes, you can trim back the grass as needed to prevent it from becoming too leggy. Always use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Digitaria radicosa (Presl) Miq.
Digitaria radicosa (Presl) Miq., commonly known as button grass or radicle finger grass, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is mainly native to southeastern Australia and is commonly found in open, moist eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and heathlands.
Propagation Methods
Digitaria radicosa can be propagated through asexual and sexual methods.
Asexual Propagation
The most common asexual propagation method for Digitaria radicosa is vegetative propagation. This process involves taking stem cuttings from a healthy plant, ensuring each cutting has at least one node, and planting them in moist soil. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until roots develop, and then they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division is another asexual propagation method that can be used to propagate Digitaria radicosa. This process involves separating the plant's underground rhizomes and replanting them in a new location. Each new plant should have healthy roots and shoots, and it should be watered frequently to prevent it from drying out.
Sexual Propagation
Digitaria radicosa can also be propagated through sexual reproduction, which involves seeds. Seeds are produced in the plant's inflorescence, which is a dense, cylindrical cluster of flowers at the top of the stem. Once the flowers have been pollinated, they will develop into seeds.
To ensure successful germination, it is necessary to stratify the seeds. This involves treating them with cold temperatures for a certain period to simulate winter conditions. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in fertile, well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate.
Disease Management:
Digitaria radicosa is prone to various diseases that can affect the plant's growth and yield. It is crucial to identify the disease and take appropriate measures for the management of diseases. Some common diseases that affect Digitaria radicosa are:
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spots can occur due to fungi and bacteria. It leads to the yellowing and browning of the leaves, followed by premature death of the plant. Fungicide and bactericides can control leaf spots.
- Red stripe: Red stripe is a fungal disease that appears as red stripes on the leaves and sheaths of the plants. Fungicides can control it, and it is recommended to avoid overfertilizing the plants.
- Pythium root rot: Pythium root rot is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the plant's roots. Symptoms include a stunted plant, yellowing leaves, and rotting roots. Good drainage and soil sterilization measures can prevent Pythium root rot.
Pest Management:
Digitaria radicosa is also prone to pest attacks that can cause significant damage to crops. Measures to control pests include:
- Armyworms: Armyworms can cause significant damage by chewing the leaves and stems of the plants, leading to reduced yields. Biological controls and chemical insecticides are effective in controlling armyworms.
- Cutworms: Cutworms can cause severe damage to the plants by cutting the stems. Handpicking and using insecticides can control cutworms.
- Aphids: Aphids can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and stunted growth of plants. Insecticidal soaps, neem oil, and predators like ladybugs and lacewings can control aphids.