Origin
Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski, also known as Intermediate Wheatgrass, is a perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. Its origin can be traced back to temperate regions of Eurasia, specifically in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. It was introduced to North America as a forage crop in the 1930s and has since become a popular grass for soil conservation and erosion control.
Common Names
Elytrigia intermedia is commonly known by several other names such as Intermediate Wheatgrass, Elytrigia, and Crested Wheatgrass. It may also be referred to as Russian Wheatgrass, but this is incorrect as Russian wheatgrass is a different species altogether (Agropyron fragile).
Uses
Elytrigia intermedia is primarily used for forage production and soil conservation purposes. It is a hardy and drought-resistant plant that can withstand harsh conditions, making it an ideal grass for dryland agriculture and reclamation projects. The grass is also known for its ability to improve soil structure, prevent soil erosion, and increase the fertility of degraded soils.
Aside from its agricultural uses, Elytrigia intermedia also has potential as a biofuel crop. Its high biomass production and low lignin content make it an attractive option for bioenergy production and carbon sequestration.
General Appearance
Elytrigia intermedia has a robust and tufted growth habit, with stems that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are up to 30 cm in length and around 5-10 mm in width, with a deep green color and a smooth texture. The inflorescence is a dense spike that can reach up to 15 cm in length, with spikelets that contain several florets. The seeds are small and about 2 mm in length, with a pale yellow color. The plant generally has an attractive appearance and is often used for ornamental purposes.
In summary, Elytrigia intermedia is a hardy and versatile grass that has proven to be useful in a variety of settings. Its resilience and adaptability make it a valuable asset in dryland agriculture, reclamation projects, and bioenergy production. Overall, it is a plant worthy of recognition and appreciation.
Light Requirements
Elytrigia intermedia is an incredibly hardy and resilient plant, capable of thriving in a vast range of light conditions. However, it prefers full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to different light intensities. In areas with harsh summers, partial shade may be preferable to prevent the plant from drying out.
Temperature Requirements
Elytrigia intermedia prefers cool to moderate temperatures that range between 50-75°F (10-24°C). It is drought tolerant and capable of withstanding long periods of cold and heat when it is established. Nevertheless, it cannot tolerate humid and warm temperatures or temperatures below 0° F (-17° C).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers rich, moist, and well-draining loam soils that are slightly alkaline to mildly acidic. It can, however, grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. It is salt-tolerant and can grow in areas of salt saturation such as the coastlines of saline seas.
Cultivation
Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski, also known as intermediate wheatgrass, is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions. It grows best in moist, well-drained loamy soil but can tolerate sandy and heavy clay soil. This plant grows in full sun to partial shade. If the soil is too dry, mulching around the plant can help retain moisture.
Watering needs
Intermediate wheatgrass needs moderate watering. Water the plant when the soil around the roots is dry, but avoid overwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can damage the plant.
Fertilization
Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski requires moderate fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in spring. If planted in the fall, fertilize in the following spring. Do not fertilize after the end of summer. Too much nitrogen can lead to weak stems that may break under the weight of seeds.
Pruning
Intermediate wheatgrass requires minimal pruning. Cut back the plant to the ground in late fall or winter. This helps to clear out any debris that may attract pests and diseases. New growth will emerge in the spring.
Propagation of Elytrigia Intermedia (Host) Nevski
Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski, commonly referred to as intermediate wheatgrass, is a perennial cool-season grass known for its dense fibrous root system and ability to grow in a wide range of soil types. The plant can be propagated using various methods.
Seed Propagation
Intermediate wheatgrass can be propagated by seed. The seeds can be obtained from mature plants or purchased from seed suppliers. The ideal time for seed propagation is in the fall when the soil temperature is around 6°C. Seeds can be directly sown into the soil or propagated in trays and transplanted into the soil later. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2 cm and covered with a light layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until germination, which typically occurs within 10-14 days.
Vegetative Propagation
Elytrigia intermedia can also be propagated vegetatively using rhizomes or tillers. Rhizomes are horizontal underground stems that produce new shoots and roots. The rhizomes can be collected from mature plants, cut into pieces, and replanted in the soil. Each rhizome piece should contain at least one viable bud for successful propagation. Tillers, on the other hand, are lateral shoots that arise from the base of the parent plant. The tillers can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into the soil.
Cultural Methods
Cultural methods, such as sod transplantation, can also be used to propagate Elytrigia intermedia. Sod transplantation involves cutting strips of sod from a mature stand of the plant and transplanting them into a new location. The soil should be moist during the transplantation process to prevent transplant shock and promote root establishment. The transplanted sod should be kept moist until the new roots are established in the soil, which can take several weeks to months depending on the environmental conditions.
Overall, Elytrigia intermedia can be propagated using various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cultural methods. The appropriate propagation method should be chosen based on the availability of resources and desired outcomes.
Disease and Pest Management for Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski
Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski, commonly known as intermediate wheatgrass, is a tall, cool-season grass that is grown for forage, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. However, this plant species is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can reduce its productivity and quality. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Elytrigia intermedia and the ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Crown Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the crown and roots of the plant, causing reduced growth and yield. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage crown rot, use disease-free seeds, avoid planting in poorly drained soils, and rotate crops. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease.
Fungal Leaf Spots: There are several types of fungal leaf spots that affect Elytrigia intermedia, including Septoria leaf spot, Tan spot, and Spot blotch. Symptoms include circular, brownish spots on leaves, which may coalesce and cause defoliation. To manage fungal leaf spots, avoid overhead irrigation, maintain proper plant spacing, and remove infected plant debris. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease.
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing a white, powdery growth on the surface. Symptoms include stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage powdery mildew, use disease-free seeds, maintain proper plant spacing, and improve air circulation. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease.
Common Pests
Cutworms: These are the larvae of several species of moths that feed on the stem and roots of the plant, causing wilting and death. To manage cutworms, use crop rotation, plant resistant varieties, and apply insecticides when necessary.
Wireworms: These are the larvae of click beetles that feed on roots and cause stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage wireworms, use crop rotation, plant resistant varieties, and apply insecticides when necessary.
Grasshoppers: These are herbivorous insects that feed on the foliage, causing defoliation and reduced yield. To manage grasshoppers, use crop rotation, plant resistant varieties, and apply insecticides when necessary.
Overall, effective disease and pest management of Elytrigia intermedia involves a combination of cultural practices, such as crop rotation and planting resistant varieties, and chemical control with pesticides. Regular scouting and monitoring for diseases and pests is also important in preventing and managing their outbreaks.
