Digitaria Swynnertonii Rendle

Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle Description

Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle is a type of perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. This grass species is native to Tanzania, East Africa. Its common names include Swynnerton's finger grass or Swynnerton's love grass, named after the British botanist Charles Francis Massey Swynnerton who collected the specimen.

General Appearance

Swynnerton's finger grass has a thin and wiry stem that grows to about 40-100 cm in height. The leaf-blades are slender and linear, measuring 2-10 cm long and 3-8 mm wide. The inflorescence of the plant is composed of narrow spikes that grow up to 7-10 cm long with branches ascending to about 10 cm. The spikes are often purplish-brown in colour.

Uses

Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle has several uses. As fodder, the grass is a source of nutrition for cattle, sheep, and goats. The seed heads can also be harvested and used as bird feed as it is a rich source of protein. The grass's root system can be used to improve soil quality as it helps to absorb nitrogen from the air and store it in the soil, which makes it a good cover crop. Additionally, the plant's leaves can be used to make baskets, mats, and other woven items by the local communities in Tanzania.

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Light Requirements

Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle typically grows in areas with full sun exposure. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This makes it an ideal plant for outdoor planting and areas with a lot of natural light.

Temperature Requirements

The ideal average temperature for the growth and development of Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle ranges between 20°C to 30°C. It also thrives in areas with moderate to high humidity levels. Temperatures below 20°C slow down its growth rate while exposure to frost can be detrimental to the plant's growth.

Soil Requirements

Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle grows well in most soils with good drainage but thrives in well-drained soils that are fertile, loamy and rich in organic matter. It prefers a pH range of neutral to slightly acidic, and therefore adding organic matter may help to improve the soil structure. This type of soil composition helps the plant to absorb plenty of nutrients from the soil, which in turn promote its growth rate.

Cultivation Methods

Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle is a grass species that can be grown outdoors in warm and humid regions. It prefers well-drained soil with good fertility and full sunlight. The seeds of the plant can be sown directly into the soil in spring or summer. Before planting, make sure the soil is well-prepared by removing debris and weeds.

Watering Needs

To maintain healthy growth, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist. During periods of drought, the plant will require more frequent watering. However, be mindful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Water the plant deeply at least once a week, and monitor the soil moisture levels regularly.

Fertilization

Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, approximately every two to three weeks. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months, when the plant is dormant.

Pruning

Pruning is not necessary for Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle, but it can help to promote healthier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too crowded. Cut back any dead or diseased blades of grass and remove any weeds that may be growing around the plant. If the grass is becoming too tall, mow it down to maintain a consistent height.

Propagation of Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle

Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle can be propagated through two methods:

Seed Propagation

The plant produces seeds that can be sown in well-drained soil during the fall season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 1 cm in the soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about two weeks. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots once they develop a few leaves, and they should be kept in a partially shaded area until they are mature enough to be planted outdoors.

Division Propagation

Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the clumps of the plant and transplanting them into a new location. The best time to do this is during the dormant season in the late fall or early spring. The clump should be lifted out of the soil and divided into several smaller clumps, each with some roots and shoots. The smaller clumps should be replanted into well-drained soil in a partially shaded area until they are mature enough to be planted outdoors.

Disease Management of Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle

Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle is a grass species that is generally resistant to many diseases. However, some diseases such as leaf spots and root rots have been reported in this species of grass. To control leaf spots, affected areas should be removed and destroyed immediately. The lawn should be properly fertilized and watered to ensure that the grass is healthy enough to resist infection by leaf spot pathogens. In the case of root rots, areas affected should be aerated to reduce soil compaction and improve drainage. The use of resistant cultivars is also recommended to reduce the incidence of root rot disease.

Pest Management of Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle

There are various pests that can attack Digitaria swynnertonii Rendle. The most common pests that attack this grass species are mole crickets, chinch bugs, and white grubs. To control mole crickets, proper lawn maintenance is critical. The use of insecticides can also be effective in controlling mole cricket populations. Chinch bugs can also be controlled by maintaining a healthy lawn through proper fertilization, watering, and mowing. In severe cases, insecticides may also be used to control the population of chinch bugs. White grubs, on the other hand, can be managed through cultural practices such as aerating and dethatching. The use of insecticides should be the last resort when dealing with white grub infestations.