Origin of Lasiacis sorghoidea
Lasiacis sorghoidea (Desv. ex Hamilton) A.S. Hitchc. & Chase var. sorghoidea, also known as Sorghum jointsedge, is a plant native to the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It belongs to the family Poaceae, which includes more than 10,000 species of grasses.
Common Names of Lasiacis sorghoidea
Lasiacis sorghoidea has multiple common names such as Brown Top, Bristlegrass, and Sorghum jointsedge. In Africa, it is called "Akerekoro" in Yoruba, "Azeb" in Amharic, "Gudikin" in Tigrinya, and "Sakarong" in Hausa. In Latin America, it is known as "Hierba Mala" in Spanish and "Cipó-de-Boi" in Portuguese.
Appearance of Lasiacis sorghoidea
The plant is a perennial, tufted grass that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. Its stems are slender, cylindrical, and often have nodes along them. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring about 30-70 cm in length and 5-15 mm in width. The flowers are arranged in small panicles, with each spikelet containing 2-5 florets. The seeds are small and are dispersed by the wind.
Uses of Lasiacis sorghoidea
Lasiacis sorghoidea has several uses, especially in traditional medicine. In Africa, the roots of the plant are used to treat stomach ailments, diarrhea, and fever. The plant is also used as an insecticide and to repel unwanted pests. In Latin America, it is used to treat snake bites, as well as for its diuretic and laxative properties. Additionally, Lasiacis sorghoidea is used as fodder for livestock and is also planted for soil conservation purposes.
Overall, Lasiacis sorghoidea is an important plant with a multitude of uses, making it a valuable resource in many parts of the world.hereLight Requirements
Lasiacis sorghoidea is a sun-loving plant that thrives in areas that receive ample sunlight. The ideal light requirement for this plant is full or partial sunlight, and it should be grown in a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Lasiacis sorghoidea requires warm temperatures to thrive. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20°C – 30°C (68°F - 86°F). It cannot withstand frost or freezing temperatures and should be protected from extreme temperature changes.
Soil Requirements
Lasiacis sorghoidea prefers well-draining soils that are fertile and rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types from sandy to loamy soil, but it needs to be consistently moist. The pH of the soil should be between 5.6 - 7.5. It does not tolerate water-logged or poorly drained soils.
Cultivation
Lasiacis sorghoidea is a warm-season grass that thrives best in tropical and subtropical regions. This plant variety needs well-drained soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5. Sow the seeds in the field during the warmer months when the temperature is between 24°C to 30°C. The seeds need a soil depth of at least 2 cm and should be kept moist until germination. Once the seedlings are about 15 cm tall, it is time to transplant them into the open field where the plant can grow to a height of about 90 cm.
Watering Needs
Lasiacis sorghoidea is a drought-resistant plant that can survive on minimal rainfall. However, establishing the plant requires consistent watering. In the early stages, regularly water the plant to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once the plant is fully established, it will require irrigation during dry spells to maintain its growth rate. Water the plant once a week during the drier months to prevent it from withering.
Fertilization
Lasiacis sorghoidea requires a balanced dose of fertilizers to thrive. Fertilize the plant immediately after transplanting the seedlings into the open field. Use a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer and apply it at a rate of 40 kg/ha. Repeat this process after 45 days of growth with a rate of 20 kg/ha. This helps the plant’s establishment process and favors healthy growth. Apply lime to the soil if the pH is lower than 6.
Pruning
Lasiacis sorghoidea rarely requires pruning because it grows tall and thin without forming too many side branches. However, you should remove dead or damaged stems periodically to maintain plant health. Additionally, harvesting the viable stems is necessary to prevent competition between the buds and promote healthy regrowth. Cut the stem as close to the ground as possible and allow the base to resprout. Do not remove more than one-third of the stem height during harvesting. Repeat the harvesting process every 4-5 months once the stems have reached full maturity.
Propagation of Lasiacis sorghoidea
Lasiacis sorghoidea (Desv. ex Hamilton) A.S. Hitchc. & Chase var. sorghoidea is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. Propagation of L. sorghoidea is done through seeds, stem cuttings, and rhizomes:
Seeds
The propagation of L. sorghoidea through seeds is the easiest and most common method. The seeds can be collected from mature plants during the flowering season. The collected seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place to maintain their viability. Before planting, the seeds can be scarified or soaked in warm water for a few hours to break their dormancy. The seeds should be sown in a well-prepared seedbed or directly in the field. It is recommended to plant the seeds in the rainy season to ensure proper germination.
Stem cuttings
The stem cuttings of L. sorghoidea can be used for propagation, especially if the seed supply is limited. The stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the growing season. The length of the cutting should be around 10 to 15 cm, and it should have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-prepared soil mix. The soil should be kept moist and warm, and the cutting should develop roots within a few weeks.
Rhizomes
Rhizome propagation of L. sorghoidea is another method that can be used. The rhizomes are collected from mature plants during the growing season. The rhizomes should be planted in a well-prepared soil mix, with the buds facing upwards. The soil should be kept moist and warm, and the rhizomes should develop new shoots within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Lasiacis sorghoidea is usually resistant to most diseases, but certain infections may still occur. Common diseases that might affect the plant include leaf spot, rust, smut, and seedling blight.
To manage leaf spot, use a fungicide and ensure proper ventilation, adequate spacing, and good sunlight. Rust and smut can be managed by planting disease-resistant varieties. Seedling blight can be prevented by using sterilized soil or planting healthy seeds.
Pest Management
The main pests that might attack Lasiacis sorghoidea include aphids, mites, and grasshoppers.
To manage aphids, spray the plant with water or use natural predators such as ladybugs. Mites can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Grasshoppers can be prevented by using physical barriers like nets or removing tall vegetation nearby that might attract them.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of pests or diseases can help in early detection and prevent major issues from developing. It is best to follow a regular schedule of inspection, maintenance, and treatment to ensure healthy growth and productivity of the plant.
