Overview
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha (Stapf ex Thellung) C.E. Hubbard ex S.T. Blake, also known as the false velvet grass, is a flowering plant belonging to the family Poaceae. It is native to Africa and is commonly found at higher altitudes in places such as Angola and Tanzania.Common Names
The Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha plant is known by various common names in different regions, including false velvet grass, pseudoacrotricha eriochloa, and Tanzanian love grass.Appearance
The plant has an upright and tufted growth habit with slender stems that can grow up to 60 cm tall. The leaves are narrow and taper to a point, measuring 5-15 cm in length and 0.3-0.5 cm in width. False velvet grass has green leaves with a velvety texture on the upper surface, and a smooth texture on the lower surface. The flowers are arranged in open panicles, which can grow up to 14 cm in length.Uses
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha is primarily used as a fodder crop for grazing livestock, particularly in Tanzania, where it is predominantly found. The grass is nutritious and palatable and is commonly used as a forage for grazing animals, including cattle, sheep, and goats. Additionally, it is used as a soil conservation measure and has been shown to improve soil fertility. False velvet grass is considered an invasive species in some regions, including parts of Australia, where it can outcompete native vegetation.Light Conditions
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha generally prefers areas that receive full sunlight or partial shade. However, it can also grow in completely shaded regions. Its growth is often stunted in areas with low light intensity, and so it is best grown in bright light for optimal development.
Temperature Conditions
The plant has a tropical and subtropical origin, and so it thrives in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 25°C to 35°C, with a minimum range of 12°C to 15°C needed for its survival. Any temperature below this range could lead to frost injury, which can negatively impact its growth.
Soil Conditions
The plant adapts well to a range of soil types, but it thrives best in fertile, well-drained, and moist soils. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.0. The soil should have good water-holding capacity, but it should also facilitate good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The presence of organic matter and nutrients in the soil is also beneficial to the plant's growth.
Cultivation
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha is native to South America and is suitable for cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be grown in a variety of soils, including loam, sandy, or clay soils, with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. It prefers well-drained soils.
It is a warm-season grass and requires warm temperatures for its growth. The optimal temperature range for its cultivation is between 26 - 30°C. It can be grown from seeds or vegetative propagation. It is recommended to sow the seeds in early spring, and the seedlings can be transplanted after 2 - 3 months into the prepared beds.
Watering Needs
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha requires regular watering but should not be waterlogged. Watering should be done twice a week during the growing season, and the soil should be kept moist. In the dry season, watering should be done once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and the soil moisture.
It is advisable to irrigate the plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water loss through evaporation. Over-watering may cause root rot and other diseases that may affect the plant's growth and productivity.
Fertilization
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha requires regular fertilization to achieve optimum growth and yield. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 18:18:18 can be applied during the growing season. The application rate can be 120 kg/ha. The fertilizer should be applied evenly on the soil surface, and the plants should be watered immediately after application.
Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be applied to improve the soil fertility and structure. The application rate can be 5 - 10 tons/ha. It is essential not to over-fertilize the plants as it may cause nutrient excess, which may lead to leaf burn, stunted growth, and other undesirable effects.
Pruning
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha does not require frequent pruning. However, dead or diseased leaves can be removed to maintain the plant's health and appearance. The plant can be cut a few centimeters above the soil during the dormant season to stimulate new growth.
It is important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid transmitting diseases from one plant to another. The pruning tools should be disinfected before and after use.
Propagation of Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha (Stapf ex Thellung) C.E. Hubbard ex S.T. Blake is a warm-season perennial grass that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods depending on the availability of resources and the intended use of the propagated plants.
Seed Propagation
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha produces viable seeds which can be used for propagation. The seeds are usually sown during the rainy season when there is sufficient moisture in the soil. Before sowing the seeds, the soil should be prepared by loosening it and removing any weeds or debris. The seeds can then be sown directly into the field or in nursery beds.
For nursery bed sowing, the seeds should be sown in rows and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate. After germination, the seedlings can be thinned out and transplanted into the field after 6-8 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha can also be propagated through vegetative means such as stem cuttings, root division, and layering. Vegetative propagation is useful for propagating plants with desirable traits or for increasing the number of plants where adequate seeds are not available.
Stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants and should be at least 10 cm long with a few leaves attached. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium such as compost or sand. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shaded area until they have produced roots and can be transplanted into the field.
Root division involves dividing the root system of a mature plant into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one shoot and one root. The sections can then be transplanted into the field or grown in nursery beds until they are large enough to be transplanted.
Layering involves bending a stem of the plant and securing it to the ground. The buried section of the stem will produce roots and new shoots. After a few weeks, the rooted section can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha is a grass species that is typically found in grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands. It is an important forage species for livestock, but it can be affected by a variety of diseases and pests that can impact both its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect E. pseudoacrotricha, along with strategies for managing them.
Common Diseases
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can affect E. pseudoacrotricha. The leaves of infected plants will develop small, yellow spots that eventually turn into reddish-brown pustules. Rust can cause the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely, which can reduce the plant's overall productivity. To manage rust, it is important to plant rust-resistant varieties of E. pseudoacrotricha. Additionally, minimizing moisture on the plants by avoiding overhead irrigation, managing humidity levels, and controlling weeds can help prevent rust from spreading.
Bacterial Blight: This bacterial disease can cause the leaves of E. pseudoacrotricha to develop water-soaked lesions that eventually turn brown and necrotic. The infection can cause young leaves to wilt and die, reducing the plant's overall productivity. To manage bacterial blight, it is important to avoid over-fertilizing and over-watering the plants, which can create favorable conditions for the bacteria to proliferate. Additionally, removing infected plant material and implementing crop rotation can help manage the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause circular to oblong spots on E. pseudoacrotricha leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots can merge and form larger lesions. Infected leaves will yellow and drop, which can impact the plant's productivity. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove infected plant material and improve air circulation around the plants. Fungicides may also be used in severe cases.
Common Pests
Armyworms: Armyworms are caterpillars that can cause significant damage to E. pseudoacrotricha by feeding on the leaves. They can be identified by the presence of large numbers of caterpillars on the plants. To manage armyworms, it is important to monitor the plants regularly for signs of infestation and use insecticides if necessary.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can also cause damage to E. pseudoacrotricha by feeding on the leaves. They can be identified by their long legs and prominent wings. To manage grasshoppers, it is important to remove weeds and other vegetation that can serve as a food source for these pests. Insecticides may also be used if necessary.
Cutworms: Cutworms are moth larvae that can feed on the stems of E. pseudoacrotricha, causing plants to wilt and die. They can be identified by the presence of chewed leaves and stems, and can often be found hiding under debris near the base of the plants. To manage cutworms, it is important to till the soil in the fall to disrupt their life cycle and use insecticides if necessary.
