Overview
Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire, commonly referred to as tall fescue, is a cool-season grass species that belongs to the family Poaceae. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa and has been introduced to various parts of the world, including North America, South America, and Australia.
Common Names
In addition to tall fescue, this plant is also known by other common names such as Kentucky 31, Festuca arundinacea, and Schedonorus phoenix.
Appearance
The tall fescue plant has a deep root system that enables it to resist drought and heat stress. It grows up to 3-4 feet tall, forming dense clumps with a coarse texture. The leaves are narrow, flat, and dark green, and they can be up to 12 inches long and 0.5 inches wide. The stem of the plant is hollow, and the inflorescence is a spike-like panicle that can be up to 20 inches long.
Uses
Tall fescue has various uses, including forage, turfgrass, and erosion control. The plant is popular among farmers as a forage grass because it is highly tolerant to grazing. It is also resistant to diseases and pests and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. In addition, tall fescue is commonly used as a turfgrass for parks, golf courses, and athletic fields due to its wear tolerance and low maintenance requirements. Furthermore, its deep root system makes it an effective erosion control plant for stabilizing soils on slopes and other areas prone to erosion.
Light requirements
The plant Lolium arundinaceum requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. It is not suited to grow in shaded areas as it needs abundant light to photosynthesize and produce essential nutrients for its survival. In addition, insufficient light can lead to the elongation of its stem and the weakening of root development, resulting in plant death.
Temperature requirements
Temperature is an important factor in the growth and development of Lolium arundinaceum. The plant can tolerate temperatures between 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, but its optimal growth range is between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Extreme temperatures can impact the plant's growth and yield. If temperatures rise above 30 degrees Celsius, the plant may experience dehydration, and in case of lower temperatures, the plant's growth may slow down or come to a halt.
Soil requirements
Lolium arundinaceum grows best in well-drained and loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is intolerant of waterlogged and poorly drained soil, as the water saturation can lead to root rot and fungal infections. Soil fertility is essential for the optimal growth and yield, and shallow soil can affect the spread of the plant's root system. Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are the essential elements for the growth of Lolium arundinaceum, and the plant responds well to fertilization.
Cultivation Methods of Lolium arundinaceum
Lolium arundinaceum is a cool-season grass that is known to adapt to a wide range of soil types. It is relatively easy to cultivate the plant, and the best time to sow the seed is between early fall and early spring when the soil is moist, warm, and fertile.
Prepare the soil by removing any debris and carefully tilling it to a depth of at least 6 inches. Also, ensure that the soil is free from rocks and hard clumps to aid with germination. Seed can be planted using either a seed drill or by broadcasting. When broadcasting, it's important to cover the seed using a rake or harrow, which will help prevent bird damage and improve seed-to-soil contact.
Watering Needs of Lolium arundinaceum
Lolium arundinaceum requires adequate moisture to thrive during planting and establishment. Young seedlings require regular shallow watering until they become well established. After establishment, deep watering once or twice a week depending on the moisture level of the soil should suffice. However, watering frequency can vary depending on the weather conditions, soil type, and stage of growth.
Excessive watering can cause unprecedented root development and fungal growth such as rot, while too little water can cause the plant to wither and die. Thus, it's vital to keep an eye on how much moisture the plant is receiving.
Fertilization of Lolium arundinaceum
Several factors must be considered when it comes to fertilizing Lolium arundinaceum. The fertilizer rates should be determined by soil test analysis to establish the nutrient needs. In general, nitrogen is essential to stimulate growth and maintain a dark green color on foliage.
A quick-release nitrogen source such as urea or ammonium sulfate can be applied once or twice during the growing season when the grass is actively growing. Slow-release nitrogen sources such as organic fertilizers can reduce the frequency of fertilization.
Pruning of Lolium arundinaceum
Lolium arundinaceum does not require pruning. However, it's recommended to mow the plant regularly to between 2-3 inches to maintain density and prevent it from flopping over. Mowing also helps to remove dead and yellowing leaves and controls weed invasion. The best time to start mowing Lolium arundinaceum is when it's reached about 4 to 6 inches in height.
It's also important to sharpen the mower blades for an efficient cut. Dull blades can result in uneven and ragged cuts, which can damage the plant and affect its appearance.
Propagation of Lolium arundinaceum
Lolium arundinaceum can be propagated via seeds and vegetative means such as stem and rhizome cuttings. The propagation method used depends on the purpose and intended use of the plant.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Lolium arundinaceum is through seed propagation. Seeds are harvested from mature plants and allowed to dry in the sun. Once dry, the seeds can be stored for future propagation or sown immediately.
Seeds are best sown in a prepared bed or container and covered with a thin layer of soil. They should be watered regularly to maintain moisture until they germinate. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days after sowing.
Once the seedlings are established, they can be transplanted into their permanent location. Care should be taken to ensure that the soil is well-drained and fertile.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves the use of stem or rhizome cuttings to produce new plants. This method is typically used when the plant is being propagated for a specific purpose, such as forage or erosion control.
Stem cuttings are taken from mature plants and planted in a bed or container filled with a well-draining soil. The cuttings should be watered frequently in order to maintain moisture until they establish roots.
Rhizome cuttings can be taken from runners that have been dug up from mature plants. These runners are then planted in a prepared bed or container and watered regularly until they establish roots.
Vegetative propagation can also be accomplished through division. This method involves dividing mature plants into smaller sections and replanting them in a prepared bed or container. Care should be taken to ensure that each section has enough roots and foliage to establish itself.
Disease and Pest Management for Lolium arundinaceum
Lolium arundinaceum, commonly known as tall fescue, is a cool-season grass that is widely used in pastures and turfgrass. Being a monoculture, tall fescue is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect tall fescue and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Brown patch: Brown patch is a fungal disease that affects tall fescue during warm and humid weather. It appears as circular or irregularly shaped brown patches with a yellowish halo surrounding them. To manage brown patch, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer application, water the turf early in the day, and mow the grass regularly. Fungicides can also be applied if necessary.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects tall fescue during wet and humid weather. It appears as small, brown, circular spots on the leaf blades. To manage leaf spot, avoid overhead watering, minimize thatch buildup, and mow the grass regularly. Fungicides can also be applied if necessary.
Crown rust: Crown rust is a fungal disease that affects tall fescue during cool and wet weather. It appears as small, reddish-brown pustules on the leaf blades, stems, and sheaths. To manage crown rust, practice good cultural practices such as crop rotation, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer application, and mow the grass regularly. Fungicides can also be applied if necessary.
Common Pests
Armyworms: Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on the leaf blades of tall fescue during warm and dry weather. They appear as green or brown striped caterpillars and can cause severe defoliation if left untreated. To manage armyworms, scout for signs of infestation, mow the grass regularly, and use insecticides as necessary.
White grubs: White grubs are the larvae of various beetle species that feed on the roots of tall fescue during the spring and fall. They appear as C-shaped, cream-colored grubs and can cause severe root damage if left untreated. To manage white grubs, scout for signs of infestation, use insecticides as necessary, and promote healthy soil by reducing compaction and maintaining proper soil pH.
Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the leaf blades of tall fescue during hot and dry weather. They appear as small, yellow or green specks on the leaf blades and can cause severe discoloration if left untreated. To manage mites, increase the moisture level by irrigating the turf regularly, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer application, and use miticides as necessary.
By following these disease and pest management strategies, you can prevent or minimize the damage caused by common diseases and pests that might affect tall fescue. Maintaining good cultural practices, scouting for signs of infestation, and using pesticides only when necessary are some of the best ways to manage diseases and pests in your tall fescue lawn or pasture.
