Overview of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi, commonly referred to as barnyard grass, is an annual plant that belongs to the family Poaceae. This plant is native to North America, Asia, and Europe but is now widely distributed in various regions around the world.
Common Names of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi has a wide range of common names depending on the region and language. In English-speaking countries, it is called barnyard grass, while in Chinese-speaking regions, it is known as Dianchangcao. Other common names include cockspur grass, Japanese millet, water grass, and barnyard millet.
Uses of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi is both a weed and a valuable plant with different uses. As a weed, it competes with other crop plants for nutrients, space, and water, resulting in reduced yields. It also harbors pests and diseases that can affect other crops. However, as a valuable plant, barnyard grass has several uses, including:
- Animal feed: The leaves, stems, and grains of barnyard grass are rich in nutrients and can be used as fodder for livestock, poultry, and fish.
- Food: The grains of barnyard grass are edible and can be cooked like rice or ground into flour to make bread, porridge, and other foods. However, barnyard grass is not widely cultivated as a food crop.
- Medicine: Barnyard grass has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhage, and diabetes.
- Conservation: Barnyard grass is an excellent cover crop for soil conservation, erosion control, and weed suppression. It also provides habitat and food for wildlife.
General Appearance of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi is an annual plant that can grow up to 3 meters tall in favorable conditions. Its stem is erect, usually purplish in color, and can have hairy nodes. The leaves are linear, flat, and can grow up to 40 cm long and 2 cm wide. The inflorescence is a loose panicle with several racemes, each bearing numerous spikelets. The spikelets are green at first, turning brown as they mature, and contain up to 12 seeds. The seeds are grayish or brown and have a hard outer coat.
Light Requirements
Echinochloa crus-galli var. oryzicola typically requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It has a high tolerance for direct sunlight and can grow in areas with limited shade. Areas with partial shade may result in reduced plant growth and yield. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the crop in areas that receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The crop is known to be tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in a warm climate. The optimal growth temperature for Echinochloa crus-galli var. oryzicola is between 20°C to 30°C. It can survive temperatures as low as 10°C but prolonged exposure to frost may damage the plant. Extreme hot temperatures can also lower its growth rate.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining and fertile soil for optimal growth. A soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5 is suitable. The ideal soil type is loam, but it can also grow in sandy soils, as long as it is irrigated and fertilized accordingly. The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. Additionally, it needs to be protected from soil-borne diseases by practicing crop rotation and avoiding waterlogged soils.
Cultivation Methods
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi, commonly known as ricefield barnyardgrass, is a semi-aquatic plant that grows well in warm and humid climates. The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and a depth of at least 15 cm. It can be propagated through seeds or by transplanting seedlings.
The seeds should be sown in the field during the early spring season. The plant requires a high amount of moisture during its early growth stages. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a shallow water level of about 2-3 cm during the initial few weeks. As the plant matures, the water level can be increased up to 15 cm.
The crop needs ample sunlight exposure and cannot compete with weeds. Therefore, to achieve maximum yield, weeds should be controlled by hand or with herbicides.
Watering Needs
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi requires a sufficient amount of water supply throughout its growth cycle. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during its early growth and tillering stages. However, overwatering can lead to stunted growth, as the plant is also susceptible to root rot.
To maintain proper moisture levels, it is recommended to maintain the water level at around 5-7 cm for most of the crop cycle. During the flowering and grain filling stages, the water level should be lowered to facilitate the ripening process. The amount of water required varies depending on the climate, soil type, and water retention capacity of the soil.
Fertilization
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi requires adequate fertilization for its proper growth and development. It is recommended to apply fertilizer during the planting stage itself. A balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) ratio of 4:2:1 is recommended for ricefield barnyardgrass.
During the growth cycle, top-dressing the crop with an NPK mixture is also beneficial. However, over-fertilization can lead to weak stems and increased lodging. Therefore, it is essential to adjust the amount of fertilizer applied according to the plant's growth stage and soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi. However, dead leaves and stems should be removed regularly to facilitate maximum sunlight exposure and airflow within the crop. This enables proper growth, minimizes the risk of plant diseases and pests, and improves yield.
Removing the weeds and spent plant material is also important for the proper growth and yield of the crop.
Propagation of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi, commonly known as Japanese barnyardgrass or ricefield grass, is a perennial weed that is prevalent in rice paddies, but it can also grow in other wetlands and disturbed areas. To control this weed, it's important to understand its propagation methods.
Vegetative Propagation
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi can propagate vegetatively through its underground rhizomes. These rhizomes can grow up to 10 cm per day in ideal conditions and can quickly create new shoots. Any disturbance to the soil can break up these rhizomes and spread the plant to new areas. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid soil disturbance while managing this weed.
Seed Propagation
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi can produce a large number of seeds that can remain viable in soil for several years. The seeds are small and can easily disperse through wind, water, or attached to animals. They can germinate in both dry and waterlogged conditions. Therefore, it's essential to prevent the formation and spread of seeds.
Control Methods
To control the spread and growth of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi, it's important to prevent both vegetative and seed propagation. This can be achieved by avoiding soil disturbance, practicing proper water management, crop rotation, and using appropriate herbicides.
Disease Management
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi is susceptible to various diseases that can reduce its productivity and quality. The most common diseases that can affect this plant include:
- Brown spot: This is caused by the fungus Bipolaris oryzae and is characterized by brown lesions on the leaves, nodes, and panicles. To manage this disease, plants should be planted at wider spacing to improve air circulation and reduce humidity. Fungicides can also be applied at the early stages of the disease to prevent further infestation.
- Blast: This is caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae and is characterized by gray-green lesions on leaves and panicles. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides can be applied to control the spread of the disease.
- Sheath blight: This is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani and is characterized by water-soaked lesions on the sheaths of the leaves. Infected plants should be removed, and fungicides can be applied to prevent further infestations.
Early detection and prompt management are necessary to prevent the spread of these diseases.
Pest Management
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. var. oryzicola (Vasinger) Ohwi is also prone to attack by various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Rice stem borer: This is a destructive pest that can cause severe damage to the plant by feeding on the stem and foliage. Infested plants can be removed, and natural enemies such as parasitoids can be introduced to control the spread of the pest.
- Green leafhopper: This pest can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Infested plants can be treated with insecticides, and natural enemies can be introduced to control the spread of the pest.
- Brown plant hopper: This pest feeds on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and wilting of the plant. Infested plants should be immediately removed, and insecticides can be applied to control the spread of the pest.
Preventive measures such as crop rotation, maintaining proper hygiene in the farm, planting resistant varieties, and using integrated pest management practices can help manage these pests effectively.
