Overview of Eriochloa Procera Auct. Non (Retz.) C.E. Hubbard
Eriochloa procera auct. non (Retz.) C.E. Hubbard is a plant species belonging to the family Poaceae. It has several common names, including forest cupgrass, hairy cupgrass, and giant cupgrass. It is a species native to Africa, but it was introduced to other parts of the world, such as Asia, Australia, and America.
General Appearance
The plant has a tufted growth habit and can grow up to 2m tall. It has long and narrow leaves, measuring about 20-40cm long and 6-25mm wide. The leaves have a rough texture and are covered with fine hairs. The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle that can measure up to 40cm long and is covered with spikelets. The spikelets have a hairy appearance. The stems are also covered with fine hairs, and the roots are shallow and fibrous.
Uses
Eriochloa procera has several useful applications. In some parts of Africa, the stem fibers are used to make ropes and baskets. The leaves and stems are also used as livestock fodder. Additionally, the plant contains compounds that have been found to possess antimicrobial and antifungal properties. These compounds have been tested to combat various fungal infections.
In the United States, the plant is considered a noxious weed due to its invasive nature. It outcompetes and replaces native grasses, causing a decline in biodiversity. Farmers and landowners are encouraged to practice weed control measures to eradicate the plant from their farms or land.
In summary, Eriochloa procera auct. non (Retz.) C.E. Hubbard is a tufted grass species with several common names. It is native to Africa but has been introduced to other parts of the world. The plant possesses medicinal and practical uses, such as antimicrobial and antifungal properties and fiber production for ropes and baskets. However, it is considered a noxious weed in the United States for its invasive nature and its adverse effects on biodiversity.
Light Requirements
Eriochloa procera, also known as 'Tall Three-Awn Grass', requires full sunlight to grow optimally. The plant can withstand some shade but its growth and development are significantly impeded if it does not receive enough sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the grass in open areas that receive sufficient sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
E. procera is an adaptable plant that can grow in a wide range of temperatures. However, it thrives in temperatures between 18-27 °C (64-81 °F) and is sensitive to frost. In areas that experience frost, the plant can be grown as an annual or in containers that can be moved indoors during the cold season.
Soil Requirements
The grass grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. It thrives in soils that have a pH range of 6-7.5. The plant can, however, tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil before planting to improve its fertility.
Cultivation:
Eriochloa procera is native to the Mediterranean region but is widely grown in many parts of the world. It prefers to grow in dry areas with sandy, well-drained soils. The best time to plant is during the rainy season, i.e., from mid-summer to early winter.
The recommended planting density is 5-6 kg/ha, with a depth of 1-2 cm. It's preferable to plant the seeds in rows, spaced 30 cm apart. Once planted, seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and watered lightly. The germination will occur within two weeks, and after 2-3 months, the plants will have reached the desired height.
Watering:
Eriochloa procera is a drought-tolerant plant; however, it needs regular watering during its early growth stage. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid excessive evaporation. Also, it is better to water deeply and less frequently than to water shallowly every day.
The amount of water required by the plant depends on various factors, such as soil type, temperature, and humidity. Typically, the plant needs water once a week, but the irrigation frequency can be increased during the hot summer months.
Fertilization:
Eriochloa procera is a moderately heavy feeder plant and needs a regular supply of nutrients for optimal growth. The best time to fertilize is during the early growth stage, i.e., within 2-3 weeks after planting.
A balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio of 4:4:4 is suitable for the plant. It should be supplemented with micronutrients such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. A foliar application of nutrients can be done during the vegetative stage to improve the plant's health and growth.
Pruning:
Pruning is not necessary for Eriochloa procera to grow correctly. However, it is advisable to remove any dead or diseased parts of the plant for aesthetic purposes. The pruning should be done during the early growing stage.
The plant can be mowed as required to maintain the desired height, but it is recommended to leave the foliage at least five centimeters tall to promote photosynthesis and healthy growth.
Propagation of Eriochloa Procera
Eriochloa procera is a warm-season grass that is grown for forage and as a soil stabilizer in arid and semi-arid regions. The plant is propagated through seeds and vegetatively through stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Eriochloa procera are small and light and require good seed bed preparation to ensure proper germination. The seeds can be planted directly in the field or started in a greenhouse and transplanted to the field when they are sufficiently grown. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm and spaced about 10-15 cm apart. Germination usually occurs within 5-10 days and the seedlings should be thinned out to avoid overcrowding.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Vegetative propagation through stem cuttings is also possible with Eriochloa procera. The stem cuttings should be taken from established plants that are at least 6 months old and have developed a good root system. The stem cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes from where new roots and shoots can develop.
The stem cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil and kept well-watered for the first few weeks until new roots develop. Once the new roots have formed, the plant can be transplanted to its final location. Vegetative propagation through stem cuttings can be a faster method of obtaining new plants than seed propagation.
Disease Management
Eriochloa procera is relatively disease-resistant, but it is still susceptible to a few common plant diseases. These include:
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears on leaf blades as small, reddish-brown pustules. The infected leaves turn yellow and eventually die. To control rust, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Brown spot: Brown spot is a fungal disease that appears as small, brown lesions with yellow halos. To control brown spot, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Leaf smut: Leaf smut is a fungal disease that appears as black, powdery spores on leaves. To control leaf smut, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Eriochloa procera is also relatively pest-resistant, but it can be affected by a few common pests. These include:
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that chew through the stems of young plants, causing them to wilt and die. To control cutworms, use a pesticide labeled for cutworms and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can cause significant damage to Eriochloa procera by chewing on leaves and stems. To control grasshoppers, use a pesticide labeled for grasshoppers and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause significant damage to leaves, leaving them mottled and discolored. To control spider mites, use a miticide labeled for spider mites and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
