Overview of Digitaria scalarum
Digitaria scalarum (Schweinf.) Chiov. is a plant species that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is a perennial grass that is native to central and southern Africa, specifically Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It is also known by its common names including, scrambleweed, digitaria grass, and feather fingergrass.
General Appearance
Digitaria scalarum is a slender, spreading, or glabrous perennial grass that can grow up to 1 meter. The plant has a tufted habit with stems that are ascending or decumbent, and can vary in length from 10-120 cm. Digitaria scalarum's leaves are narrow and range from 2-20 cm in length. Its inflorescence is composed of digitate spikes that are erect or slightly curved, the spikelets are densely clustered and the fruit is a shiny brown caryopsis.
Uses of Digitaria scalarum
Digitaria scalarum is a vital grass species that provides grazing for cattle and other animals. It is also used as a traditional medicine to cure various diseases such as diarrhea, constipation, and fever. In some areas of Africa, it is commonly used to make baskets or other woven articles. The grass has a pleasant appearance and is a commonly used ornamental plant in many parts of the world. Additionally, Digitaria scalarum is a source of biomass for energy production.
Light Requirements
Digitaria scalarum (Schweinf.) Chiov. requires a lot of sunlight to grow. Full sunlight exposure is ideal for this plant as it enables optimal photosynthesis and promotes healthy growth. Inadequate light can cause the plant to become weak and spindly, leading to stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
The best soil for Digitaria scalarum (Schweinf.) Chiov. is sandy or loamy soil that is well-drained and fertile. The plant has moderate tolerance to saline and alkaline soils. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot and ultimately, the death of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria scalarum (Schweinf.) Chiov. can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 15 to 40 degrees Celsius. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius slow down the rate of growth, while temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius can cause death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria scalarum grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. This plant does not tolerate frost, and therefore it is best suited for tropical and subtropical regions. You can propagate it by dividing the clumps or by seeds.
Watering Needs
Digitaria scalarum needs regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. It is important to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Adjust the watering schedule depending on the season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization
Fertilizing your Digitaria scalarum plant will help it grow healthy and strong. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and may cause the plant to become unbalanced.
Pruning
Pruning your Digitaria scalarum plant is not necessary as it has an attractive, grassy appearance. However, if you want to keep it neat and tidy, you can trim the tips of the stems from time to time to encourage bushier growth. Use sharp, clean garden shears, and avoid pruning more than a third of the plant at a time.
Propagation of Digitaria Scalarum (Schweinf.) Chiov.
Digitaria Scalarum (Schweinf.) Chiov. is a warm-season grass that can be propagated through various methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
Digitaria Scalarum (Schweinf.) Chiov. produces a lot of seeds during its growing season, making it an easy grass to propagate through seeding. The seeds of the plant can be collected during the late summer months and dried in a cool place until the planting season. Plant the seeds in well-drained soil and cover them with a layer of soil. Water the area daily until the first few sprouts appear.
Division Propagation
Division propagation involves splitting an existing plant into small plants that can grow in separate locations. This technique is useful when rejuvenating an old plant or when trying to maintain the ornamental value of the grass. Dig up the existing plant and, using a sterile tool, divide the clump into smaller pieces. Transplant the individual pieces into different locations, water immediately, then water frequently until they are established.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves growing new plants from cuttings taken from an existing plant. This technique is often used to grow an exact clone of the parent plant. Collect cuttings from a healthy and robust plant during the growing season, making sure to include at least two or three nodes. Plant the cuttings in a rooting hormone and place them in a moist and shaded area. Keep the cuttings hydrated until new roots and shoots emerge.
Disease Management
Digitaria scalarum is generally a healthy plant, but it can be attacked by some diseases that can lead to crop loss. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the crop regularly and take the necessary actions at the initial stage of the disease infestation.
The most common diseases affecting Digitaria scalarum include Downy mildew, Leaf spot, and smut. To manage Downy mildew and Leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid overhead irrigation to prevent water splash. Fungicides can also be used, but it is necessary to read the instructions carefully before application.
Mutual intercropping could help in reducing disease incidence and also increase yield in Digitaria scalarum cultivation. Also, the use of disease-resistant plant varieties will help to avoid disease spread.
Pest Management
Some insect pests could pose significant challenges to Digitaria scalarum cultivation and cause crop yield losses. Common pests are aphids, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. To manage these pests, good agricultural practices should be encouraged, such as crop rotation, intercropping, and planting of pest-resistant varieties.
Chemical control using insecticides may also be effective, but it is advised to be cautious with the use of chemicals, as it could have negative effects on the environment. If chemicals must be used, read the instructions carefully and follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage and safety precautions. The use of biological control measures, such as release of beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantis to feed on the pests, could also be effective.
In conclusion, good agricultural practices such as clean cultivation and timely monitoring of the crop are important for disease and pest management in Digitaria scalarum cultivation. It is better to prevent infestation rather than control it at a later stage.
