Overview
Digitaria setigera Roth ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes, commonly known as the "hairy crabgrass," is a warm-season annual grass that belongs in the family Poaceae. This plant is widely distributed in different parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
Description
Digitaria setigera usually grows up to 60 cm tall, with long and flattened stems that can spread up to 1 meter wide. It has well-developed roots that can penetrate up to 40 cm deep into the soil, making it a highly efficient nutrient scavenger. Like most crabgrasses, its leaves are green with an inflorescence that is arranged in a loose and open panicle with hairy branches.
Common Names
The Digitaria setigera is commonly known as "hairy crabgrass." It has other names like "summer grass," "finger grass," "large crabgrass," or "commongrass."
Uses
The hairy crabgrass is primarily used as forage, especially for grazing livestock. It is highly palatable and has a high nutritional value, making it ideal for grazing animals. Additionally, it is used as an ornamental grass and is popularly used in landscaping and gardening due to its beautiful inflorescence and efficient soil nutrient scavenging property.
Growth Conditions for Digitaria setigera Roth ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes
Light: Digitaria setigera does well in bright light conditions. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to grow properly. In low light conditions, the plant becomes leggy and spindly.
Temperature: Digitaria setigera thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the plant to stop growing or die. In cooler climates, it is best to grow the plant indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements: Digitaria setigera prefers well-draining soil with good moisture retention. The soil's pH level should be between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant requires fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Sandy loam soil with good aeration is ideal for growing Digitaria setigera.
Water: Digitaria setigera requires regular watering to thrive. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. In hot and dry conditions, the plant should be watered more often to prevent wilting.
Fertilizer: Digitaria setigera benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Fertilize the plant every two to three weeks, reducing the frequency during the off-season. Over-fertilization can cause foliage burn and damage to the roots.
Propagation: Digitaria setigera can be propagated by seed or division. Sow the seeds directly in the soil after the last frost of the season. Division should be done during the spring or fall. Separate the clumps of the plant with a knife and plant them in separate containers or holes in the ground.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria setigera Roth ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes is a warm-season grass that thrives in full sun. It is best to start planting in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up. The soil should be well-draining and fertile, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. You can either sow the seeds directly in the ground or start them indoors and transplant them once they have grown to a reasonable size. Thin out the seedlings for proper spacing and avoid overcrowding.
Watering Needs
Digitaria setigera requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. It is essential to check the soil moisture level before watering. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, and underwatering can cause drought stress and reduce the plant's optimal performance. Water the grass deeply once a week instead of frequent shallow watering.
Fertilization
Digitaria setigera responds well to fertilization. Fertilize the grass in early spring, mid-summer, and late fall with a complete fertilizer, such as 15-15-15. Follow the recommended application and mix with water before applying it to the soil. Avoid applying fertilizer during a drought since it may damage or burn the roots.
Pruning
Digitaria setigera does not require much pruning. Cut back any damaged, diseased or dead growth during the growing season. After the growing season, prune the grass to a few inches above the soil line to encourage new growth in the spring. Do not prune the grass too short to avoid exposing the roots to extreme temperatures, especially during winter.
Propagation of Digitaria setigera Roth ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes
Digitaria setigera Roth ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes, commonly known as the Mexican crabgrass, is a warm-season perennial grass species that is native to southern Mexico and Central America. Propagation of the plant is essential to produce new plants in outdoor and indoor settings.
Propagation Methods
The most common propagation methods used for Digitaria setigera Roth ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes are through seeds and vegetative propagation, including rhizomes.
Seeds: Seeds are an easy and cost-effective way to propagate Digitaria setigera Roth ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes. Sow seeds directly into the soil during the spring season when soil temperatures have reached 60F or higher. Seeds can be planted 1/4 inch deep, with a spacing of 18 inches to 24 inches between plants. Seeds should germinate within two weeks.
Rhizomes: Vegetative propagation of Digitaria setigera Roth ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes involves the use of rhizomes for propagation. Once the grass begins to establish, you can separate out small sections of the parent plant by digging around the root system and cutting away smaller sections for replanting. Make sure to replant the rhizome with the crown, or growing point, just at or above the surface of the soil.
Overall, the propagation of Digitaria setigera Roth ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes can be done easily through seeds or vegetative propagation methods like rhizomes. With proper care and attention, new plants can be produced, providing a beautiful addition to any outdoor or indoor space.
Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria setigera Roth ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes
Digitaria setigera Roth ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes is commonly affected by various diseases and pests. Hence, effective management strategies are necessary to maintain its growth and yield. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions to manage them:
Diseases:
1. Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Digitaria setigera. It appears as small, circular spots with brown centers and yellow halos. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves, and apply a fungicide containing copper sulfate.
2. Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and seeds of Digitaria setigera. It appears as reddish-brown or yellow patches on leaves and stems. To manage rust, remove the infected parts and avoid overcrowding the plants. Also, apply a fungicide containing myclobutanil or tebuconazole.
3. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of Digitaria setigera. It appears as small, sunken lesions with reddish-brown centers and yellow halos. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and avoid watering the plants overhead. Apply a fungicide containing propiconazole or chlorothalonil.
Pests:
1. Cutworms: Cutworms are common pests that feed on the leaves and stems of Digitaria setigera. They appear as gray or brown caterpillars that roll into a tight curl when disturbed. To manage cutworms, remove weeds, and plant trap crops such as clover or buckwheat. Also, apply a pesticide containing carbaryl or pyrethrin.
2. Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are another pest that feeds on the leaves and stems of Digitaria setigera. They are large insects that can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage grasshoppers, remove weeds, and plant trap crops such as alfalfa or beans. Also, apply a pesticide containing malathion or carbaryl.
3. Root-knot nematodes: Root-knot nematodes are microscopic worms that infect the roots of Digitaria setigera and cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage root-knot nematodes, remove weeds, and rotate crops. Also, apply a nematicide containing oxamyl or fenamiphos.
By following the above management strategies, you can protect Digitaria setigera Roth ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes from various diseases and pests, which in turn, can result in healthy growth and yield.
