Digitaria Schmitzii Van Der Veken

Origin and Common Names:

Digitaria schmitzii Van der Veken, also known as Schmitz's crabgrass, is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is native to South America, specifically Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. It is a warm-season grass that prefers to grow in subtropical to tropical climates. The species was first described by Belgian botanist Edouard Van der Veken in 1959.

Appearance:

Digitaria schmitzii is a densely tufted perennial grass that can reach a height of up to 60 cm. Its stems are thin and upright, while its leaves are textured and can measure between 3-10 cm long and 2-4 mm wide. The base of each leaf blade is twisted, giving the plant a distinctive appearance. Its inflorescence is composed of spikes that are typically between 4-7 cm long and erect. The spikes are green to purple in color and can have up to 12 branches per node. The plant's root system is fibrous.

Uses:

Digitaria schmitzii is not commonly cultivated or used in traditional medicine, but it has the potential to be a valuable forage grass. Its upright, densely tufted habit makes it well-suited for grazing and hay production. Additionally, its fibrous root system is effective at preventing soil erosion. The species has also been known to invade crops and can be considered a weed in certain areas.

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Light Requirements

Digitaria schmitzii Van der Veken requires a lot of sunlight for proper growth, and it is considered a highly photophilic plant. It is recommended to place it in a location where it can receive full sunlight without any obstructions to ensure healthy growth.

Temperature Requirements

The ideal temperature range for the growth of Digitaria schmitzii Van der Veken is between 20°C to 35°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C but begins to suffer damage at -2°C. It is sensitive to frost and drought, which limits its growth in areas with extreme weather conditions.

Soil requirements

Digitaria schmitzii Van der Veken grows well in loamy soils with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It is tolerant of saline soil and can grow on sandy, clayey, and gravel soils. However, it requires soil with good drainage and adequate organic matter for optimum growth. The plant can also grow in nutrient-poor soils but shows reduced growth rates and stunted growth.

Cultivation Methods:

Digitaria schmitzii Van der Veken is a warm-season grass that requires full sun exposure to grow well. It can tolerate various soil types, but it thrives best in well-draining soils. The plant can be propagated through seeds or vegetative propagation methods, such as division.

Watering Needs:

Watering should be done thoroughly and consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry periods. It is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which may cause root rot.

Fertilization:

Digitaria schmitzii Van der Veken requires frequent fertilization to ensure optimal growth. A balanced fertilizer with a high nitrogen content is ideal, as it helps to promote leafy growth. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, with regular intervals of approximately every six to eight weeks.

Pruning:

Digitaria schmitzii Van der Veken does not require much pruning, but occasional trimming may be necessary to maintain its shape and appearance. The plant should be pruned after flowering or during early spring before the new growth appears. Pruning can be done using gardening shears or a lawnmower to trim the foliage to the desired height.

Propagation of Digitaria schmitzii Van der Veken

The propagation of Digitaria schmitzii Van der Veken can be done through the following methods:

Seed propagation

Seeds of Digitaria schmitzii can be obtained from mature plants. The seeds are small and need to be sown on moist soil. They germinate within a week. The soil should be kept moist until the seedlings are established. Seed propagation is the most common and efficient method of producing Digitaria schmitzii.

Vegetative propagation

Digitaria schmitzii can also propagate through vegetative means. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and planting them in moist soil. The cuttings should be taken when the parent plant is actively growing. Using a rooting hormone can increase the chances of success in vegetative propagation.

Division of rhizomes

Digitaria schmitzii can also be propagated through dividing the rhizomes of mature plants. This method involves carefully digging up the parent plant and dividing the rhizomes into smaller sections. Each section should contain at least one new shoot and an intact root system. The separated sections can then be planted in individual pots or directly into the soil.

Disease Management

The plant Digitaria schmitzii Van der Veken is not typically prone to diseases. However, it can be vulnerable to disease outbreaks. One of the most common diseases that can affect this plant is leaf spot caused by the fungus Bipolaris sp. This disease results in the yellowing of the leaves with small circular spots.

To manage this disease, it is recommended to maintain good sanitation practices by removing all fallen leaves and plant debris. The use of fungicides can also be effective in controlling the disease.

Pest Management

The plant Digitaria schmitzii Van der Veken can be susceptible to pest infestations, which can severely affect its growth and yield. Some common pests that can attack this plant include armyworms, cutworms, aphids, and mites.

To manage these pests, it is important to maintain good cultural practices such as practicing crop rotation and maintaining good sanitation practices. The use of natural predators such as lady beetles, praying mantis, and lacewings can also be effective in controlling pest populations. Application of pesticides should be done judiciously, taking care not to harm beneficial insects and not to exceed recommended limits. Regular scouting and monitoring should be done to detect early infestations.