Overview
Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack., commonly known as centipedegrass, is a warm-season turfgrass species that is native to southeastern Asia. It is a popular option for lawns, particularly in the southeastern United States, due to its low-maintenance requirements and attractive appearance.
Appearance
Centipedegrass has a medium-fine texture with a light green color and a low, creeping growth habit. The leaves are short and broad, with rounded tips, and the stems grow along the ground and root at the nodes, creating a dense network. The inflorescence is a spiky spikelet that blooms in the summer months.
Uses
Centipedegrass is often used for residential lawns, parks, and golf course fairways due to its low maintenance requirements and tolerance for shade and acidic soils. It is also used for erosion control and as a ground cover in disturbed areas. Centipedegrass is not suitable for high-traffic areas due to its slow growth rate and shallow root system.
Light Requirements
Eremochloa ophiuroides requires full sunlight to grow properly. The plant prefers to be in full sun to partial shade, but it will not grow in complete shade. Therefore, it is best planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Too much shade can cause its leaves to become thin and floppy.
Temperature Requirements
Eremochloa ophiuroides is a warm-season grass and requires warm temperatures to grow. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 68 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. During the cooler months, the plant may go dormant, turning brown until warmer weather returns. It can tolerate cold temperatures too, but it will not grow much during this time.
Soil Requirements
The plant is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, it prefers fertile and well-draining soil to grow properly. The soil pH should range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0-7.5 pH) for optimal growth. Eremochloa ophiuroides can tolerate soils with moderate salinity levels and is commonly grown in coastal regions where high salt content is present.
Cultivation and Care of Eremochloa Ophiuroides
Eremochloa ophiuroides, commonly known as centipedegrass, is a low-growing, warm-season turfgrass. Here are some tips on how to cultivate and care for this plant:
Planting and Cultivation
Centipedegrass is best planted in late spring or summer when soil temperatures are above 70°F. Select well-drained sites that receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. Since centipedegrass has shallow roots, prepare the soil properly by removing weeds, rocks, and debris and tilling to a depth of six inches, then level and grade the soil.
Plant centipedegrass plugs, sod, or seeds, then water well but avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to become too dry. Keep the soil moist until the grass roots are established.
Watering Needs
Centipedegrass has moderate water needs and is considered drought-tolerant once established. Water the grass deeply once or twice a week to promote deep root growth, especially during hot, dry weather. The soil should be moist to a depth of six inches.
Avoid frequent, shallow watering as this promotes shallow root growth and makes the grass less drought-tolerant. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal disease.
Fertilization
Centipedegrass has low fertility needs and should be fertilized less frequently than other warm-season grasses. Fertilize once or twice a year in late spring or early summer with a slow-release fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a 3-1-2 ratio.
Do not overfertilize or use high-nitrogen fertilizers as this can lead to thatch buildup and weak growth.
Pruning and Mowing
Centipedegrass grows slowly and is considered a low-maintenance grass. Mow the grass to a height of 1 to 2 inches, making sure not to remove more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time. Mow regularly during the growing season to keep the grass healthy and attractive.
Do not scalp the grass or mow it too short as this can weaken the grass and cause it to be less drought-tolerant. Avoid mowing wet grass to prevent clumping and damage to the grass blades.
Follow these tips to successfully grow and maintain Eremochloa ophiuroides and enjoy a healthy and lush lawn.
Propagation of Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.
Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack., commonly known as centipedegrass, is a warm-season turfgrass used for lawns, golf courses, and landscaping. The propagation of this plant is usually done through vegetative means, mainly through stolons or runners.
Vegetative Propagation
Stolon is the horizontal stem that runs along the soil surface, forming roots and shoots at the nodes, and spreading the plant vegetatively. Centipedegrass has a high propensity to form stolons, which makes them an ideal candidate for vegetative propagation. Stolons are generally the preferred method of propagation in commercial production of centipedegrass.
Another form of vegetative reproduction in centipedegrass is the usage of runners. Runners are similar to stolons, as they are also horizontal stems that develop roots and shoots. However, runners typically grow above the soil surface, making them more susceptible to damage. Runners are typically used in small-scale propagation of centipedegrass.
Seed Propagation
While centipedegrass can be grown from seed, it is not the preferred method due to several factors. Firstly, seeds of centipedegrass have low germination rates, which makes it difficult to ensure uniform growth. Secondly, centipedegrass seeds have a short shelf life, meaning they need to be used soon after being harvested, reducing their availability. Lastly, centipedegrass seeds are more expensive than stolons or runners, making them a less popular choice for propagation.
In conclusion, while centipedegrass can be grown from seed, vegetative propagation through stolons or runners is the preferred method due to ease and efficiency.
Disease Management
Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack. is susceptible to several diseases that can significantly impact plant health and reduce yield. One common disease is leaf spot caused by the fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana. This disease can be managed by removing infected plant debris and applying fungicides containing triazole or strobilurin. Another disease is rust caused by the pathogen Puccinia coronata. Proper irrigation and fertilization can reduce rust severity, and applying fungicides containing triazole, strobilurin or azoxystrobin may control this disease.
Another significant disease of Eremochloa ophiuroides is smut, caused by the fungus Ustilago eremochloae. This disease causes black galls to form on leaves and stems, leading to a reduction in plant vigor and yield. Smut disease can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts and planting resistant cultivars.
Pest Management
Several pests can affect the growth and yield of Eremochloa ophiuroides. One such pest is the mole cricket, which can cause significant damage to roots and leaves. Monitoring for pest activity and applying insecticides can help to manage this pest. Aphids can also damage the leaves and shoots of Eremochloa ophiuroides. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings can help to control aphid populations.
The Japanese beetle is another pest that can feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruit of Eremochloa ophiuroides. Applying insecticides containing carbaryl, imidacloprid, or acetamiprid can help to manage this pest. Finally, grubs, the immature form of several beetle species, can feed on the roots of Eremochloa ophiuroides, leading to plant stress and yield loss. Applying insecticides before adult beetles lay eggs can help to manage grub populations.
