Origin
Diplachne panicoides, also known as tar grass or white grass, is a species of grass commonly found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. It is categorized under the Poaceae family.
Common Names
The plant is famously known for different names around the world, such as blackseed grass, windmill grass, witch grass, Barreto grass, zoysia and, southern crabgrass.
Appearance
Diplachne Panicoides has its name because of its resemblance to Panicum grasses. The plant is usually curly and thin and can grow up to three feet high. The leaf blades are green, glossy, and up to nine inches long, while the inflorescence spreads between the leaves and branches creating a unique look.
Uses
Diplachne Panicoides plant has many uses. The grass is a common building material in different countries, such as Mexico, where it is used as a roofing material. The plant is also an essential food source for some livestock, such as goats that use the plant as a natural supplement to diets.
Additionally, the roots of Diplachne panicoides have a high tolerance to salty soils, which make it an ideal plant for reclamation, particularly in saline or brackish soils, in addition to that Diplachne panicoides seeds are used to make porridge and other culinary applications in Africa.
Light Requirements
The Diplachne panicoides plant requires full sunlight exposure to grow effectively. It is not suitable for growing in shaded areas because the plant thrives in direct sunlight. Therefore, it is essential to plant the Diplachne panicoides in areas exposed to sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for growing Diplachne panicoides is between 18°C and 30°C. The plant grows best in warm weather, and when it experiences temperatures below 16°C, growth is significantly reduced. If the temperature falls below 10°C, the plant goes dormant and appears to die, but it will resume growth when the warmer temperature resumes.
Soil Requirements
The Diplachne panicoides plant grows well in deep, fertile, well-drained soils. The ideal soil pH range is between 6 and 7.5. It does not grow well in soils with high salinity levels, and if planted in such soils, it is essential to flush the soil regularly to prevent the buildup of detrimental salts. The soil should also be free of any physical or chemical problems such as high clay content, compacted soil, or soil that contains hazardous pollutants that could be detrimental to plant growth.
Cultivation methods
Diplachne panicoides, also known as Hairspear grass, is a hardy perennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall in favorable conditions. It is best cultivated using seeds, which should be sown at a depth of no more than 0.5 cm in well-drained soil. The seeds should be planted during the rainy season when the soil is moist, preferably in partial shade or full sun. The plants should be spaced between 30-45 cm apart to give them sufficient room to grow.
Watering needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth and development of Diplachne panicoides. The plant requires moderate watering during the growth phase, which is from spring to summer. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. However, during the winter when the plant is dormant, the soil should be allowed to dry out before the next watering. Additionally, the plant can tolerate periods of drought, but it's advised to avoid prolonged dry spells that can cause stunted growth.
Fertilization
Diplachne panicoides doesn't require any special fertilizer. However, it can benefit from a well-balanced fertilizer during the growing season to boost its vigor. Organic fertilizers are recommended for this plant because they offer a slow-release of nutrients and improve soil texture. The fertilizers should be applied at the base of the plant, following the manufacturer's recommendations and avoiding overfertilization.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary for Diplachne panicoides because it's a low-maintenance plant. However, if the plant becomes overgrown or starts to look untidy, it can be pruned in the spring. The best way to prune is to use a pair of sharp scissors to trim the plant down to the desired length. It is essential to make clean cuts near the base of the plant; this helps prevent damage to the plant and promotes healthy growth.
Propagation of Diplachne Panicoides
Diplachne Panicoides is primarily propagated through seeds. Seeds can be collected from matured plants during the flowering season. The seedheads must be fully matured and brown in color. The seeds should be collected in a dry container and preserved for propagation.
Seed Treatment
Seed treatment is essential for the successful propagation of Diplachne Panicoides. The seeds must be treated with hot water at 80°C for 5 minutes or with 10% Hydrogen Peroxide for 15 minutes. This will promote germination by allowing the seeds to break their dormancy period and reduce the risk of diseases.
Germination
The seeds must be sown to a depth of 2-3 cm in a good quality seed-raising mix. The seeds require moist soil and moderate temperatures for germination. Germination should occur within 14 to 21 days after sowing.
Transplanting
The young seedlings must be allowed to grow in the seed tray until they are 10- 15 cm in length and have four to five leaves. The seedlings are then ready for transplantation. They should be transplanted to prepared soil with proper drainage and in full sunlight. The soil should be well-drained and enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.
Maintenance
After transplantation, the young plants should be watered moderately but frequently until they are established. The plants require regular weeding and pest control measures. Fertilizers can be applied intermittently to promote growth and development.
Disease Management
Diplachne panicoides is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can adversely affect its growth and productivity. Some of the common diseases include:
- Fusarium wilt: This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, which attacks the root system and obstructs the uptake of nutrients and water. To manage this disease, remove the infected plants and destroy them; avoid planting in contaminated soil; practice crop rotation and use disease-resistant cultivars.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana, which attacks the foliage and causes yellowing, wilting, and premature leaf drop. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering, provide adequate spacing between plants for proper air circulation; remove and dispose of infected plant parts, and use fungicides as a last resort.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum, which forms a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts, provide adequate spacing between plants, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Diplachne panicoides is also susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests include:
- Cutworms: Cutworms are larvae of various moths that feed on the stem of the plant, leading to wilting and stunted growth. To manage cutworms, remove plant debris around the field; use biological control methods such as nematodes or parasitic wasps, and apply insecticides if necessary.
- Armyworms: Armyworms are caterpillar pests that feed on the foliage, leading to defoliation. To manage armyworms, remove plant debris around the field; use biological control methods such as nematodes or parasitic wasps and apply insecticides if necessary.
- Mites: Mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage mites, use predatory mites to feed on them, avoid over-fertilization, and use insecticidal soaps or oils if necessary.
Regular scouting and monitoring of the field can help identify the presence of pests and diseases early. Implementing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that combines cultural, biological, and chemical control methods can help reduce the damage caused by pests and diseases and ensure a healthy and productive crop.
