Description of Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern.
Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern. is a plant species belonging to the Poaceae family, which commonly grows in sunny or partially shaded areas such as roadsides, gardens, and cultivated fields. It is a widespread weed in tropical and temperate regions throughout the world.
Common names
Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern. is commonly known by several names including hairy crabgrass, large crabgrass, Indian doab, and finger-grass.
Uses
Although considered a weed, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern. has some medicinal uses. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to treat high blood pressure and respiratory problems, while in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, it is used as a diuretic and antidote for snake bites. Also, its seeds are used as a food source in some countries, while its root extracts have been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
General appearance
Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern. is an annual grass that grows up to 1 m tall. Its stems are decumbent or ascending, with a reddish base, and hairy. The leaves are long and narrow with pointed tips and a characteristic twisted arrangement. The inflorescence is composed of several spikes, each containing multiple spikelets. The spikelets are small and brown, with a single seed.
Growth Conditions of Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern.
Light: Digitaria sanguinalis var. marginata requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but complete shade can lead to poor growth and weak stems. Hence, it is recommended to plant this species in an open area where it can receive adequate sunlight.
Temperature: This plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in warm conditions. It can tolerate heat and drought conditions. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). If the temperature falls below 10°C (50°F) for a prolonged period, it can cause the plant to die back or go dormant.
Soil: This species can grow in a variety of soil types but thrives best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It is also adaptable to different pH levels ranging from 5.5-8.2. However, it prefers soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH levels (6.0-7.0). The ideal soil type for Digitaria sanguinalis var. marginata would be sandy or loamy with good water-holding capacity.
Water: This plant requires moderate watering during its growing season. Overwatering can cause root rot and limit growth, while under-watering can lead to drought stress and damage the plant's health. It is recommended to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilizer: Digitaria sanguinalis var. marginata does not require heavy fertilization. It can be given a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once every six months. High nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided as they can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern. is a warm-season grass that thrives in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. For best results, plant the seeds in an area with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. When planting, ensure that you bury the seeds no more than 1/4 inch deep and water regularly until they sprout.
Spacing the plants is also essential, as they tend to spread out fast. You can reduce overcrowding by planting them around 6-8 inches apart.
Watering Needs
Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern. requires consistent moisture during its growing season. Watering frequency and duration depend on your region's temperature and soil type. However, it would help if you aimed to keep the soil moist at all times but not waterlogged. As the plant matures, reduce the frequency of watering but increase the amount of water per session.
During the plant's establishment stage, water frequently and monitor the soil's moisture level to prevent dehydration. The best time to water the plant is early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation due to the sun's heat.
Fertilization
Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern. requires fertilization to maintain optimal growth and prevent nutrient deficiencies. The ideal fertilizer composition for this plant is nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus in an NPK ratio of 3:1:2.
You can apply the fertilizer to the plant's soil either as a topdressing or by mixing it with the soil before planting. Topdressing involves spreading the fertilizer on the soil's surface and working it into the soil using a rake or fork. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer, which lasts longer and reduces the need for consistent applications.
Pruning
Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern. does not require frequent pruning, but you can trim stray leaves and stems to maintain its shape. When pruning, use a sharp and sterile pruning tool to avoid injuring the plant.
Pruning should take place in late winter when the plant is dormant. Start by removing the dead and old stems then trim the leaves back. Additionally, remove any weeds growing around the plant to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
Propagation of Digitaria Sanguinalis
Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern., commonly known as hairy crabgrass, is a warm-season annual grass that is commonly used as a turfgrass species as well as in erosion control. Propagation can be done through seeds or vegetative reproduction methods such as stolons and rhizomes.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation of Digitaria sanguinalis through seeds is the most common method. Seeds can be easily collected from mature plants that have flowered and produced seed heads. The seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until planting time. To enhance germination rates, the seeds can be scarified by scratching or rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or nicking them with a sharp blade. Once the seeds are scarified, they can be planted in soil at a depth of 1 to 2 cm and watered well. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 10 days.
Propagation through Stolons
Stolons are a horizontal above-ground stem that can be found on mature grass plants. These stems produce roots at the nodules that touch the ground, which then form new individual plants. To propagate Digitaria sanguinalis through stolons, the existing plant can be divided into smaller sections and planted in a new location. This method is ideal for quickly establishing a new lawn or filling in bare patches in an existing lawn.
Propagation through Rhizomes
Rhizomes are an underground stem that produces roots and shoots from nodes found on the stem. This method can be used to propagate Digitaria sanguinalis by planting sections of rhizomes in soil. The rhizomes should be planted at a depth of 5 to 8 cm and well watered. Within a few weeks, new shoots will emerge from the soil.
Disease Management of Digitaria Sanguinalis (L.) Scop. Var. Marginata (Link) Fern.
Disease management is an essential aspect of cultivating healthy Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern. Plants. Infection of the plant can happen at any growth stage. Several common diseases that might affect the plant are discussed below.
Damping-off disease:
Damping-off disease is the most common problem that occurs during germination. To prevent the disease, use sterilized seed and soil. Also, avoid unnecessary overwatering and high humidity.
Leaf spot:
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can severely damage the plant. The disease typically affects the leaves, and infected leaves have small, dark spots. To control leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. Practice good sanitation by clearing plant debris, and avoid wetting the plant's leaves when watering.
Rust disease:
Rust disease is a fungal infection that may lead to a pinkish or reddish crust on the plant's leaves. The disease causes premature leaf drop and slows down plant growth. To manage rust disease, remove infected leaves and spray the plant with wettable sulfur.
Pest Management of Digitaria Sanguinalis (L.) Scop. Var. Marginata (Link) Fern.
In addition to diseases, there are some pests that can cause harm to Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. var. marginata (Link) Fern. Plants. Some of the common pests and their management methods are discussed below.
Aphids:
Aphids are sap-sucking pests that debilitate the plants. An infestation of aphids can cause the leaves to crinkle and turn yellow. To control aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs to reduce their population.
Cutworms:
Cutworms are caterpillars that can cut the plant stems at the ground level. They inflict severe damage, and it's hard to detect them. To prevent cutworms, create a barrier around the plantings. Use biological control like beneficial nematodes and Bt kurstaki.
Mites:
Mites are tiny pests that negatively impact plant growth and dexterity. These pests feed on the plant's foliage, leaving behind black spots and brown webbing. To control mite infestations, wash the plant with high-pressure water three times weekly. Additionally, release natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to kill the mites.
