Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum (Steud.) Tzvelev: A Detailed Description
Origin: Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum (Steud.) Tzvelev, commonly known as wall barley, is a plant species native to Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
Common Names: Wall barley goes by various common names depending on the region, including wild barley, smooth barley, rat barley, and mouse barley.
Uses: While not commonly cultivated as a crop, wall barley has been used as a source of food in some cultures and is also used in the production of beer. Additionally, the plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including digestive issues, skin conditions, and infections.
General Appearance: Wall barley is a grass-like annual plant that typically grows to a height of 30-70 cm. The plant has a central stem that branches outwards near the base and bears spikelets that contain the plant's seeds. The leaves of the plant are flat and narrow, ranging in color from bright green to bluish-green. The plant's stem is also glaucous, meaning it has a waxy coating that gives it a bluish-grey appearance.
Light requirements
Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum (Steud.) Tzvelev requires full sun to grow properly. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not grow as vigorously or produce as many seeds as those grown in full sun. Providing at least six hours of direct sun daily is essential for optimal growth.
Temperature requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from cool to hot environments. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 10°C to 22°C. Temperatures below 0°C will kill the plant, while temperatures above 30°C can cause thermal damage to the tissues leading to stunted growth or death of the plant.
Soil requirements
Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum (Steud.) Tzvelev grows well in a variety of soils, from sandy loam to clay loam soil. It prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. This plant is tolerant to moderately saline soils but cannot grow in highly saline soils. Providing sufficient amounts of organic matter and nutrients in the form of compost, manure, or fertilizers can greatly enhance the growth and yield of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum (Steud.) Tzvelev is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers well-drained soil. It can be propagated by seeds or by dividing the roots of mature plants. Sow the seeds in early spring, and make sure the soil temperature is above 15°C. Plant them 2-3 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart. They will germinate in 5-7 days.
Watering Needs
The plant can survive drought, but it needs regular watering during the first few weeks after planting until it establishes its roots. After that, watering can be reduced to once a week, or only when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum (Steud.) Tzvelev does not require heavy fertilization, as it can grow in poor soil. However, applying a balanced fertilizer before planting can help promote growth and improve the soil quality. A light application of nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season can also increase yields.
Pruning
Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum (Steud.) Tzvelev does not require pruning, as it is a low-growing plant that does not produce many branches. However, removing any dead or diseased leaves can help prevent the spread of disease and improve the plant's appearance. The plant can also be harvested by cutting the entire plant close to the ground.
Propagation of Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum (Steud.) Tzvelev
Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum (Steud.) Tzvelev, also known as yellow foxtail barley, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Yellow foxtail barley can easily propagate through seed germination. The seeds should be collected from mature plants and carefully cleaned. They can then be planted in well-prepared soil during the fall to take advantage of winter precipitation. Alternatively, planting can be done in early spring and irrigated frequently until growth is established. Seeds germinate best in moist soil at a temperature of 10-20°C.
Asexual Propagation
Yellow foxtail barley can also be propagated through asexual methods such as division and cutting.
Division involves digging up the plant and dividing it into smaller sections, each of which can grow roots and become an independent plant. This method is best done in early spring before the plant has begun active growth.
Cutting is another asexual propagation method where stem segments are cut from the plant and then placed in a rooting medium. The rooting medium can be a mix of perlite and peat moss or a similar mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist until roots appear and they can be transplanted to their final location.
Disease Management
Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum is a plant that is susceptible to a number of diseases. One common disease that affects this plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is best to remove infected leaves and destroy them. Additionally, spraying the plant with a solution of baking soda and water can help to prevent the spread of powdery mildew.
Another disease that can affect Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum is rust. Rust appears as small, orange pustules on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected leaves and destroy them. Additionally, spraying the plant with a fungicide can help to prevent the spread of rust.
Pest Management
Hordeum murinum L. subsp. glaucum is also susceptible to a number of pests. One common pest that affects this plant is the aphid. Aphids are small insects that can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this pest, it is important to introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, to the area. Additionally, spraying the plant with a solution of soap and water can help to control aphids.
Another pest that can affect this plant is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny, red insects that can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this pest, it is important to spray the plant with a solution of water and horticultural oil. Additionally, introducing natural predators, such as predatory mites, can help to control spider mites.
