Description of Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle
Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle, commonly known as Molasses grass, is a perennial bunch grass that is native to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is known for its excellent forage quality, attractive foliage, and tolerance to drought and low soil fertility.
Appearance
Molinia minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle grows up to 70 cm in height and has a shallow root system. It has light green leaves that are about 5-15 cm long, 2-7 mm wide and flat blades. The plant produces spikelets that are 3-4 cm long and are accompanied by long awns. The flowers of this grass are usually purple or pink in color.
Uses
The Molasses grass is commonly used as a forage crop in tropical and subtropical regions. It is grazed by livestock and can be cut and baled for hay. The grass is highly nutritious and has a high protein content, making it a popular choice for feeding cattle, goats, and sheep. The Molasses grass is also used for soil conservation and erosion control due to its deep roots, which help to bind soil particles together. It is also used as a cover crop in orchards and vineyards due to its aesthetic value and ability to suppress weed growth.
Light Requirements
Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle thrives well in full sun exposure conditions. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow. The plant can't survive in shaded areas, and it needs full sun to produce flowers and grow vigorously.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can survive in a wide range of temperature conditions. However, Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle grows best in areas with temperatures between 60°F and 90°F. The plant can withstand low temperatures as low as 20°F and high temperatures as high as 110°F for short periods.
Soil Requirements
Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle can grow in various soil types. However, the plant requires well-drained soils, rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can't tolerate saline or waterlogged soils. The optimal soil moisture content for Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle is between 40% and 60% of field capacity.
Cultivation Methods
The Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle is a warm-season grass that thrives in hot and dry conditions. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds in late spring or early summer after all risk of frost has passed. Prepare the soil by removing all weeds and rocks and work in a generous amount of compost or organic matter before planting.
Watering Needs
Once established, Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle requires minimal watering. It is drought tolerant and can survive long periods without water. However, during prolonged dry spells, it is recommended to water deeply once a week to keep the root system healthy and thriving.
Fertilization
Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle requires very little fertilization. If planted in fertile soil, it may not require any additional fertilization. However, if the soil is poor, a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can be beneficial.
Pruning
Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle does not require regular pruning. However, if necessary, it can be cut back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This rejuvenation pruning can help promote stronger growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
Propagation of Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle
Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle, commonly known as Molasses grass, can be propagated through both seeds and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seeds
The plant produces ample amount of seeds that can be collected during the flowering and fruiting seasons. The seeds should be sown immediately after collection as they lose their viability over time. The seeds can be sown directly in the field or in seedling trays filled with a mixture of soil and sand. The optimum temperature for germination is 25-30°C. The seedlings can be transplanted into the field after a month of germination.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle can also be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings or division of clumps.
Stem Cuttings: Select healthy stems that are around 10-15 cm long and free from diseases and pests. Cut the stem into sections of 2-3 nodes and plant them in well-drained soil. Water the cuttings regularly and keep them in a shaded area until the roots develop. The developed plants can be transplanted into the field after 3-4 weeks.
Division of Clumps: Mature plants can be divided into smaller clumps in early spring. Dig out the whole clump and separate them into smaller clumps having at least 2-3 shoots and a good root system. The smaller clumps can be planted in the field immediately.
Disease Management
Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle is generally a healthy plant species. However, certain diseases may affect them. The most common disease affecting the plant is leaf rust. The disease is characterized by small, brown pustules on the leaves, which accumulate over time, leading to leaf wilting and defoliation. To manage leaf rust, prune off infected leaves and use a copper-based fungicide on the remaining leaves. Other fungal diseases that affect the plant include leaf spot and powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Like other plant species, Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. var. inermis (Döll) Rendle is vulnerable to pest infestation. The most common pests that might infest the plant are insects, such as grasshoppers, aphids, and mites. These insects can cause extensive damage to the plant, leading to reduced growth, flowering, and seed production. To manage insect infestation, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Additionally, handpicking the insects off the plant can help reduce their population. Another common pest that could infest the plant is nematodes. These are microscopic worms that penetrate the plant roots, leading to reduced plant growth and productivity. To manage nematode infestation, rotate the plant with nematode-resistant crops or treat the soil with a nematode-killing agent.
