Overview
Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv., also known as Velvet finger grass, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Africa and is widely distributed in semi-arid and arid regions. The plant typically grows up to 60 cm in height and can tolerate a wide range of ecological conditions.
Appearance
The leaves of Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. are green, narrow, and elongated, with a blade that is around 8-20 cm long and 4-10 mm wide. The plant's stem is erect, thin, and tough, with nodes that are widely spaced. The inflorescence is composed of digitate spikes that can range from 5-10 cm long, with few to several erect or slightly spreading branches that are usually purplish in color when young.
Common Names
Different regions in Africa have different names for Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. Some of the common names for the plant include:
- Velvet finger grass
- Nare grass
- Maasai love grass
- Cord grass
- Swamp finger grass
Uses
Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. has several uses, including:
- Forage: Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. is a valuable forage plant that is grazed by cattle, sheep, and goats. It is highly palatable and has high protein and mineral content.
- Soil stabilization: The plant has deep root systems that help stabilize soils in semi-arid regions, thereby preventing soil erosion and desertification.
- Medicinal: In traditional medicine, the leaves and stem bark of Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. are used to treat various ailments such as dysentery, diarrhoea, wounds and skin inflammations.
- Cultural: The Maasai tribe in Kenya uses Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. in traditional wedding ceremonies, where the plant is used to create a traditional necklace known as the Oreteti.
Light Requirements
Digitaria velutina is a plant species that requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade, but if it receives less sunlight than needed, its growth and vigor may be stunted.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria velutina thrives in hot and dry climates. It can tolerate high temperatures of up to 40°C or more. However, it is sensitive to frost and cannot withstand freezing temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 35°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant species grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers soils that are sandy, loamy, or rocky. The plant can tolerate soils that are acidic or slightly alkaline. However, it does not grow well in waterlogged soils or those with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria velutina is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives well in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be grown in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. The plant requires full sunlight exposure to grow well and should be planted in areas that receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight a day.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means, and it is advisable to plant the seeds in early spring after the last frost. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 to 2 cm and 5 to 10 cm apart. The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings, which should be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
Watering Needs
Digitaria velutina requires regular watering to thrive. The plant prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry and hot conditions. A general rule of thumb is to water the plant once a week during dry seasons and twice a week during hot and sunny weather. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Digitaria velutina is a fast-growing plant that requires regular fertilization to support its growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every six to eight weeks during the growing season. The application should be done at the base of the plant, and care should be taken not to apply too much fertilizer as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Digitaria velutina as it does not grow too tall and has a low maintenance requirement. However, occasional pruning may be required to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems. The pruning should be done during the growing season, and care should be taken not to remove too much of the plant as it can affect its growth and appearance.
Propagation of Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv.
Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. can be propagated through several methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Digitaria velutina is through seeds. The seeds can be directly sowed into the soil, or they can first be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring or summer. Once sowed, the seeds will germinate within 10-25 days.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagation through stem cuttings is another method that can be used to propagate Digitaria velutina. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be at least 8 cm long and planted in a well-drained soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, partially shaded location until they establish roots, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Dividing Propagation
Digging up and dividing the plant is another method that can be used to propagate Digitaria velutina. This method should be done during the dormant period. The individual plantlets should be separated and replanted in a well-drained soil mixture. It's important to keep the soil moist and in a warm, partially shaded location until the plant establishes roots, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management for Digitaria Velutina (Forsk.) Beauv.
Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. is susceptible to various fungal and viral diseases which can cause significant damage if left uncontrolled. Here are some common diseases that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Fungal Diseases:
Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum graminicola and usually affects the leaves and stems of the plant. The infected leaves may develop brown spots with a reddish-brown ring around them, which can cause defoliation. To manage it, the infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be sprayed with a fungicide.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by different fungal pathogens such as Bipolaris spp. and Curvularia spp. It manifests as brown or black spots on leaves and can cause defoliation in severe cases. To control this disease, infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be sprayed with a fungicide.
Viral Diseases:
Maize Streak Virus (MSV): This is one of the most common and destructive viral diseases in Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. The affected plants may show stunted growth, yellow streaks on leaves, and reduced yield. There is no cure for MSV, and infected plants should be destroyed to prevent further spread of the disease.
Digitariasatellite virus (DSV): This virus also affects Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. and causes symptoms similar to MSV. However, infected plants may show a mottled appearance on leaves. The best way to control DSV is to remove and destroy infected plants.
Pest Management for Digitaria Velutina (Forsk.) Beauv.
Various pests may attack Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. and cause damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Insect Pests:
Fall Armyworm: This pest is a major threat to Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. and can cause significant damage to leaves and stems, which can lead to reduced yield. To manage this pest, the plant should be monitored regularly, and infested parts should be removed and destroyed. Also, insecticides can be sprayed to control the pest.
Stem Borers: Stem borers can cause damage by feeding on the stems of the plant, which can cause wilting and death. To manage this pest, the affected stems should be removed and destroyed, and insecticides can be sprayed to control the pest.
Mammalian Pests:
Deer: Deer can cause significant damage to Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. by grazing on the leaves and stems, which can lead to reduced yield. To manage this pest, physical barriers or repellents can be used to prevent deer from accessing the plants.
Rodents: Rodents can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the stems and roots, which can lead to wilting and death. To manage this pest, the use of traps or rodenticides can be effective.
In conclusion, managing pests and diseases is crucial in ensuring the successful growth and yield of Digitaria velutina (Forsk.) Beauv. Regular monitoring, early recognition of symptoms, and appropriate control measures are necessary to prevent significant damage to the plant.
