Origin and Common Names
Elymus hispidus (Opiz) Melderis var. ruthenicus (Griseb.) Dorn, also known as Russian wheatgrass, is native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It was introduced to North America in the late 1800s as a forage plant.
In addition to Russian wheatgrass, this plant is commonly known as European wheatgrass, thickspike wheatgrass, and crested wheatgrass.
Uses
Russian wheatgrass is primarily used as a forage grass for livestock because of its high protein content and digestibility. It is also used for erosion control on slopes and for reclamation of disturbed land.
Additionally, this plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments including respiratory issues, digestive problems, and skin conditions.
General Appearance
Russian wheatgrass is a cool-season perennial grass that typically grows 1-3 feet tall. It has deep roots that can reach up to 10 feet in length, making it resistant to drought and able to thrive in poor soil conditions.
The leaves are long, narrow, and flat, with rough edges that can be sharp to the touch. The flowers are arranged in dense spikes that emerge from the top of the plant and turn a golden brown color as they mature.
Russian wheatgrass is a hardy plant that can spread quickly through rhizomes, making it an effective ground cover. Its ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions makes it a popular choice for soil stabilization and reclamation projects.
Light Requirements
Elymus hispidus var. ruthenicus is a sun-loving plant and requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not grow as vigorously as in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
Elymus hispidus var. ruthenicus is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. It can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C).
Soil Requirements
Elymus hispidus var. ruthenicus prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. The plant can tolerate a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, making it adaptable to various soil conditions. It is also drought-tolerant, but it performs best when watered regularly during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Elymus hispidus (Opiz) Melderis var. ruthenicus (Griseb.) Dorn, commonly known as Russian wildrye, is a cool-season grass that is great for erosion control, pasture, and hay. It can be grown from seed, and it prefers well-drained soils in full sun. The seed should be planted in the fall, and it will germinate the following spring. The ideal soil pH is around 6.5, but it can tolerate a pH range of 5.5 to 8.0.
Watering Needs
While Elymus hispidus is drought-tolerant, it still requires consistent moisture during the growing season to thrive. If rainfall is inadequate, supplemental watering is necessary. The plant should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Elymus hispidus is not a heavy feeder, but it will benefit from fertilization in the spring. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (N-P-K) is suitable. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of one pound per 1,000 square feet of area.
Pruning
Elymus hispidus does not require pruning, as it is a self-seeding grass that will continue to grow. However, if you want to maintain a tidy appearance, the grass can be cut back to 2-3 inches in the early spring before new growth appears. Additionally, it is important to remove any dead or damaged foliage throughout the growing season to encourage new growth and prevent disease.
Propagation of Elymus hispidus var. ruthenicus
Elymus hispidus var. ruthenicus is a plant that can be propagated easily. The propagation methods that can be used for this plant are:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Elymus hispidus var. ruthenicus is through seeds. The seeds of this plant can be sown directly into the ground during the fall or early spring. Before planting, the seeds must be stratified for a few weeks in the refrigerator or exposed to cold temperatures. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about ¼ inch and spaced 6 inches apart. Once planted, the soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Division
Elymus hispidus var. ruthenicus can also be propagated through division. This method is best done during the early spring or early fall. The plant should be dug up, and the root ball should be gently separated into smaller sections. The sections can then be replanted in their desired location, and the soil should be kept moist until they establish.
Cuttings
Another way to propagate Elymus hispidus var. ruthenicus is through cuttings. This method is not as commonly used for this plant, but it can be successful. Cuttings should be taken from the plant in early spring or late summer. The cuttings should be about 3-4 inches in length. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be inserted about 2 inches deep into a pot of potting soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be kept in a shady location. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Elymus Hispidus (Opiz) Melderis var. ruthenicus (Griseb.) Dorn
Elymus hispidus (Opiz) Melderis var. ruthenicus (Griseb.) Dorn is a species of grass that is known to be generally resistant to disease and pests. However, there are still a few diseases and pests that can affect the plant, and it is important to manage them before they cause significant damage.
Common Diseases
Fusarium root rot is the main disease that can affect Elymus hispidus. This disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth, and can eventually lead to plant death. To manage this disease, it is important to practice good plant hygiene, such as removing infected plants and soil and disinfecting tools.
Another disease that can affect Elymus hispidus is leaf rust, which causes yellow or orange spots on the leaves. This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves and using fungicides if necessary.
Common Pests
The most common pest that affects Elymus hispidus is the western wheat stem sawfly, which can cause significant damage to the stem of the plant, leading to stem breakage and reduced yield. To manage this pest, it is important to monitor the field regularly and control the population by using insecticides, natural predators or cultural measures like crop rotation.
The Wheat stem sawfly larva can weaken the stem until it snaps at the base. This leads to the whole plant falling over. To reduce this damage, plant height (taller plants, often producing more tillers, are more susceptible) can be controlled by planting shorter, sturdier cultivars or reducing nitrogen fertilizer to avoid over-stimulating plant growth.
Grasshoppers are another common pest that can damage Elymus hispidus. They can cause significant defoliation and reduce yield. To manage grasshoppers, it is important to control their population by using insecticides or natural predators like birds and rodents.
Conclusion
Elymus hispidus is known to be relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and manage any infestations to avoid significant damage and loss of yield. Good plant hygiene, monitoring, and the use of chemical or cultural measures can be effective in managing diseases and pests.
