Overview
Eragrostis tenella (L.) Beauv. ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes, commonly known as Stinkgrass, is a fast-growing annual grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Europe but has naturalized in many other parts of the world, including North America.
Description
The plant grows up to 60 centimeters tall and has a fibrous root system. The leaves are narrow, linear, and approximately 5-20 centimeters long and 1-2 millimeters wide. The inflorescence is a panicle that is 3-15 centimeters long and contains numerous spikelets. Each spikelet is hairy and contains up to 12 florets. The plant flowers from June to October.
Common Names
Stinkgrass is also known as Teff grass, Lovegrass, and Tender lovegrass.
Uses
Eragrostis tenella is mainly used as a forage and a cover crop. It is highly palatable to livestock and has excellent feed value. The plant is also used in erosion control and reclamation projects due to its fibrous root system. In addition, it is used as an ornamental grass in landscapes, borders, and containers.
Typical Growth Conditions of Eragrostis tenella (L.) Beauv. ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes
Eragrostis tenella, commonly known as Lovegrass, belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant species is widely distributed, particularly in Africa, Europe, and certain parts of Asia.
Temperature
Lovegrass is a warm-season grass and grows best under high temperatures. The optimum temperature range for its growth is between 20 °C to 30 °C. However, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 40 °C and as low as -10 °C.
Light
Lovegrass requires full sunlight exposure to achieve optimal growth. It needs at least six hours of sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight exposure can lead to weak and poor growth, as well as pale leaves.
Soil
Eragrostis tenella can grow in different types of soil, but it thrives best in well-drained soils with moderate fertility. It can tolerate acidic soils with a pH range of 4.5 – 7.5.
Moreover, Lovegrass has shown some degree of tolerance to saline soils, making it an ideal candidate for cultivation in dry and arid regions.
Water
Lovegrass is relatively drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal water supply. However, to achieve optimal growth, it requires water supply equivalent to at least 400 mm of rainfall per annum.
In conclusion, to grow Eragrostis tenella successfully, farmers should provide the plant with sufficient sunlight exposure, moderate temperature range, as well as well-drained and moderately fertile soils.
Cultivation Methods for Eragrostis tenella (L.) Beauv. ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes
Eragrostis tenella (L.) Beauv. ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes thrives in full sun and well-draining soil conditions. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to alkaline soil pH level of 6.0 to 8.5. It is ideal to plant Eragrostis tenella during the late spring or early summer months, after the last frost in the area.
The plant is propagated by seed or dividing the clumps in the fall season. It is best to sow the seeds directly into the soil or in seed trays for transplantation into the garden once the seedlings develop three or four leaves. Eragrostis tenella requires minimal maintenance and is tolerant of drought conditions.
Watering Needs for Eragrostis tenella (L.) Beauv. ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes
Eragrostis tenella requires moderate watering to maintain healthy growth levels. The plant prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently to prevent waterlogging. It is recommended to allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. However, the water requirements may vary according to the temperature, humidity, and soil conditions of the specific environment.
Younger plants may require more frequent watering until they establish themselves, after which they can tolerate periods of drought. Overwatering may lead to root rot and other diseases, ultimately affecting the plant's growth and overall health.
Fertilization of Eragrostis tenella (L.) Beauv. ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes
Eragrostis tenella is a hardy plant that requires minimal fertilization. The plant can function adequately in poor soil conditions due to its drought tolerance traits. However, to promote healthy growth levels and vibrant color, fertilization once a year, during the spring season, is recommended.
The best fertilizers for Eragrostis tenella are those that are low in nitrogen and high in potassium and phosphorus. Organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and bone meal are preferred over chemical fertilizers and are known to improve soil fertility over the long term.
Pruning Eragrostis tenella (L.) Beauv. ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes
Eragrostis tenella requires minimal pruning as it is a low-maintenance plant. The plant may be trimmed back once a year during the late winter or early spring season to remove any dead or damaged stems and leaves.
The plant's seed heads may be left intact to propagate the plant through self-seeding. However, if the plant begins to spread too aggressively, removing the seed heads before they mature may prevent the plant from self-seeding and reduce its spread in the garden or surrounding areas.
Propagation of Eragrostis tenella
Eragrostis tenella (L.) Beauv. ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes, commonly known as Lovegrass, is a species of perennial grass that is native to Africa and parts of Asia. It is a popular plant for landscaping and erosion control due to its rapid growth and tolerance to poor soil conditions. Here are some methods for propagating Eragrostis tenella:
Seed propagation
Eragrostis tenella can be propagated by sowing seeds. The best time to sow seeds is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and then transplanted. Before sowing, the seeds must be cleaned, dried, and scarified to break the hard seed coat. Scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or soaking them in hot water for a few hours. Once the seeds are scarified, they can be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which can take 7-14 days.
Division
Another method for propagating Eragrostis tenella is by division. This method involves dividing an established clump of Lovegrass into smaller sections and replanting them. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring or fall when it is actively growing. To divide the plant, dig up the clump and separate it into smaller sections using a sharp knife or spade. Each section should have a healthy root system and several shoots. Replant the sections in well-draining soil and water them thoroughly.
Cutting propagation
Eragrostis tenella can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings. This method is best done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a shaded area until it has developed roots, which can take several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into its permanent location.
Disease Management for Eragrostis tenella
Eragrostis tenella is generally a healthy plant and not prone to many diseases. However, certain conditions like high humidity, low air circulation, and poor soil drainage can increase the likelihood of disease. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant and their management strategies:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common disease found in E. tenella, caused by fungal pathogens like Bipolaris and Curvularia species. The symptoms include circular or irregular spots on the leaves, which can merge, turn brown, and cause premature leaf drop. The best way to manage leaf spot is to apply fungicides containing copper sulfate, chlorothalonil, or mancozeb. Also, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves, and maintain optimum soil drainage and air circulation.
Root Rot
Root rot is another fungal disease that affects E. tenella, caused by pathogens such as Fusarium and Phytophthora species. This disease occurs in plants growing in poorly-drained, waterlogged soil. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and eventual plant death. To manage root rot, you should improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides containing thiophanate-methyl or azoxystrobin.
Pest Management for Eragrostis tenella
Eragrostis tenella is relatively resistant to pests. However, insect infestations can occur, especially in stressed plants or during high humidity conditions. Here are some common pests that affect E. tenella and their management strategies:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause damage to E. tenella. These pests are commonly found on the undersides of leaves and cause yellowing, stippling or browning of leaves. To manage spider mites, you should use insecticidal soaps or miticides like abamectin or bifenthrin. Also, maintain adequate soil moisture and humidity levels to discourage spider mites from colonizing the plant.
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers can attack E. tenella, feeding on the leaves, stems, and occasionally the flowers. These pests cause defoliation, stunted growth, and reduced plant vigor. To manage grasshoppers, you can use insecticides containing spinosad or pyrethrin, or use physical barriers like mesh nets or row covers to exclude them from the plants.
