Diplachne menyharthii Hack. - Overview
Diplachne menyharthii Hack. is a tufted grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is commonly known as Blue Top grass, Blue Top millet, and Arunachal Pradesh grass.
Origin
Diplachne menyharthii is native to South and Southeast Asia, specifically in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. It is a warm-season grass that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions.
General Appearance
The plant has a fibrous root system and produces tufts of erect stems that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has narrow green leaves that are around 10-20 cm long and 3-7 mm wide. The inflorescence is a panicle that is 7-25 cm long with purplish-blue spikelets that are around 3 mm long.
Uses
The Diplachne menyharthii has multiple uses, such as:
- Forage - it is used as a forage crop for livestock
- Food - the seeds can be used to make flour for human consumption, or it can be used as birdseed.
- Soil conservation - it is an effective soil conservation measure because of its deep roots and ability to withstand drought.
- Ornamental purpose - it is a popular ornamental grass used in landscaping.
Light requirements
Diplachne menyharthii Hack. requires full sunlight to grow. It cannot survive in shaded areas. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth and development.
Temperature requirements
It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in warm and hot conditions. The ideal temperature for Diplachne menyharthii Hack. growth is between 18°C and 30°C (64°F to 86°F) with an average of 25°C (77°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or above 40°C (104°F) can be detrimental to its growth and survival.
Soil requirements
Diplachne menyharthii Hack. thrives in well-draining and loamy soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a good supply of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The ideal soil temperature for the growth of Diplachne menyharthii Hack. is between 20°C and 35°C (68°F to 95°F).
Cultivation
The Diplachne menyharthii Hack., commonly known as the purple love grass, grows well in sunny locations with well-draining soil. It requires warm temperatures and ample sunlight to thrive. The plant can be propagated using seeds, cuttings, or by dividing root clumps.
Watering Needs
The Diplachne menyharthii Hack. plant requires moderate watering. It performs well in well-draining soils that retain moisture. Watering should be done in the morning or late afternoon, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between watering intervals.
Fertilization
The purple love grass does not require much fertilization, but it can benefit from regular feeding. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. The plant can also benefit from organic fertilizers like compost and manure.
Pruning
The Diplachne menyharthii Hack. plant does not require much pruning. However, deadheading spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. It is important to prune the plant to remove any diseased or damaged stems and foliage. This helps to improve the overall health and appearance of the plant.
Propagation of Diplachne menyharthii Hack.
Diplachne menyharthii Hack. is a perennial grass species that can be propagated by either seed or vegetative means.
Propagation by Seed
The ideal time for seed collection is in the months of October and November when the seeds are fully matured. The seed is then sown in pots or seedbeds prepared with a mixture of sand and loam at a depth of 1-2 cm, and covered with a thin layer of soil. After sowing, the soil should be watered regularly to maintain moisture, and the seeds will usually germinate within 2-3 weeks. When the seedlings have grown to a height of around 10 cm, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Vegetative Means
Diplachne menyharthii Hack. can also be propagated by vegetative means, specifically through stolon cuttings. Stolons are horizontal stems that grow along the soil surface, and they can develop their own root and shoot systems at nodes. To propagate using stolon cuttings, first identify healthy stolons that have developed roots and are actively growing. Cut the stolon into sections containing at least one node and one healthy leaf, and plant them in a mixture of sand and loam. Water the cuttings regularly to maintain moisture, and they will usually root and begin to grow within 2-3 weeks.
Disease management
Diplachne menyharthii Hack. is commonly affected by fungal diseases such as leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Leaf spot appears as circular, brownish spots on the leaves, and it can be managed by removing the infected leaves and applying fungicides. Rust causes orange or brownish spots on the leaves and stems, and it can be managed by removing the infected parts and applying fungicides. Powdery mildew appears as a whitish film on the leaves and can be managed by spraying the plant with fungicides.
Pest management
The major pests that affect Diplachne menyharthii Hack. are grasshoppers and caterpillars. Grasshoppers can be managed by using insecticides or physical barriers such as nets to protect the plants. Caterpillars can be managed by handpicking and destroying the affected parts or by applying insecticides. Additionally, planting companion plants that repel pests can help reduce the intensity of pest infestations.
