Origin and Common Names
Eragrostis microsperma Rendle is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is indigenous to southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. This species of grass has several common names, including blue lovegrass, sand lovegrass, sand lancer, and runner lovegrass.
Appearance
Eragrostis microsperma Rendle has a tufted appearance, with the plant growing anywhere from 20cm to 70cm in height. The stems of the plant are slender and erect, and the leaves are mostly basal, with the sheaths often covered in a waxy coating. The leaf blades are narrow, measuring between 1mm to 3mm in width and can be up to 20cm long. The inflorescence of the blue lovegrass is a narrow panicle, with the spikelets measuring between 2mm to 3mm in length and blue-grey in color.
Uses
Eragrostis microsperma Rendle has many uses, especially for livestock farming. The grass is nutritious and important as a forage for cattle, sheep, and goats. Studies have shown that it has a high protein content, making it an excellent feed source. Additionally, this species of grass is drought-resistant, making it useful for farmers in arid regions. Eragrostis microsperma Rendle also has some medicinal properties; it has been used traditionally as a treatment for stomach ailments and respiratory problems. Evidence indicates that this grass is also a good cover crop to control soil erosion in arid regions.
Light Requirements
Eragrostis microsperma thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires an average of at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. When grown in shade, it may become leggy and have reduced growth rates.
Temperature Requirements
Eragrostis microsperma prefers warm weather and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The plant can withstand temperatures of up to 38°C and can grow in areas with a minimum temperature of -5°C. However, it grows optimally in temperatures between 20°C to 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Eragrostis microsperma prefers well-drained soils with medium to low fertility. It can grow in various soil types, ranging from sandy loam to clay loam. However, the optimal soil pH for this plant is between 5.5 to 7.5.
The plant can tolerate drought conditions, but it requires periodic watering to maintain optimal growth rates. Overwatering can lead to root rot and hinder plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Eragrostis microsperma Rendle, also known as sand lovegrass, is a warm-season grass that grows best in sandy soil. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in hot, dry environments. The plant requires full sunlight to grow and can tolerate temperatures ranging from 70 to 90°F. Sand lovegrass can be propagated through seeds and should be planted in the spring or early summer.
Watering Needs
Although sand lovegrass is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering, especially during the germination phase. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots. The frequency of watering will depend on the soil type and weather conditions. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering than loamy soil.
Fertilization
Fertilization of sand lovegrass should be done with a low-nitrogen fertilizer in the early spring. Late summer fertilization should be avoided, as this can lead to delayed dormancy and reduced tolerance to frost. The amount of fertilizer to be applied will depend on the soil fertility, with sandy soils requiring more frequent fertilization than other soil types. It is recommended to conduct a soil test before applying fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning of sand lovegrass is minimal and only required to remove dead or damaged leaves. The plant should be left to grow naturally, and excessive pruning can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize and produce energy. Mowing should be done during the early spring before new growth starts. Mowing height should be set to 3-4 inches above the ground to encourage healthy growth.
Propagation of Eragrostis microsperma Rendle
Eragrostis microsperma Rendle is a perennial grass species that can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. The plant grows in subtropical and tropical regions, mainly in Africa and India.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Eragrostis microsperma Rendle involves the use of seeds. The seeds are obtained from the matured plants and can be directly sown in the soil after collection. However, pre-treatment methods such as scarification or soaking the seed in warm water overnight may enhance the germination rate. Sowing of the seeds in entry to mid-spring season are favorable to obtain better yields. The soil should be moist, and the seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm. It takes 15-20 days for the germination of the seeds.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation, such as vegetative propagation of Eragrostis microsperma Rendle, can be done quickly and produces faster outcomes than sexual propagation. The roots of the matured grass have a high potential of developing new shoots. The most common method of vegetative propagation is through dividing the root clumps. The clumps are split carefully, and the rooted sections are replanted in the soil. Another method is through stem cutting, as the plant has cylindrical stems with cylindrical internodes. They should be planted in a moist soil medium, in areas with partial light, and should root in a few weeks.
Propagation, whether sexual or asexual, should be done under strict supervision to ensure proper care and maintenance, such as watering, pruning, and training the plant.
Disease Management
Eragrostis microsperma Rendle is typically a hardy plant that is not often affected by diseases. However, it can be susceptible to foliar diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. These diseases can be managed through cultural practices such as maintaining proper plant spacing, removing infected leaves and debris, and avoiding overhead watering.
In severe cases, fungicides can be used to control these diseases. However, it is important to identify the specific disease before applying any fungicide and to follow the recommended application rates.
Pest Management
Eragrostis microsperma Rendle is not commonly affected by pests. However, it can be susceptible to grasshoppers and mites. Grasshoppers can be controlled through the use of insecticidal soaps or oils. These should be applied when the pests are young and before they cause significant damage to the plant.
Mites, on the other hand, can be controlled by spraying the plants with water to remove them or by using an insecticidal soap specifically designed to control mites. It is important to make sure that the soap is safe for use on the plant and to follow the recommended application rates.
Implementing good cultural practices such as regular inspection of the plant, maintaining proper plant spacing, and removing any weeds that may harbor pests can also help to minimize the incidence of pests on Eragrostis microsperma Rendle.
