Origin:
Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger, commonly known as Fall Panicgrass, is a native plant species found in various countries of the world. Its origin is traced back to North America, where it is widespread in the majority of the states.
Common Names:
Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger is known by different names such as Fall Panicum, Late Panic Grass, and Wide-seeded Panic Grass.
Uses:
Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger is a valuable plant species used for agricultural and landscaping purposes. It provides excellent forage for cattle and wildlife during the fall season. The plant is also used in soil stabilization and erosion control projects due to its fibrous root system that helps hold soil particles together.
General Appearance:
Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger is an annual or perennial plant with a height of about 1-4 feet. The leaves are narrow and pointed, about 2-8 inches long and 0.3-1.2 inches wide. The plant produces flowers in the form of panicles that are 4-12 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The flowers have a greenish-white to reddish-brown color and bloom from August to October. The plant's seeds are small, about 0.1-0.2 inches long and wide, and are useful for propagation.
Light Requirements
Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but growth and flowering may be reduced in shaded areas. Therefore, it is best to plant Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger in an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger is a warm-season grass that thrives in temperatures between 70 to 85 °F (21 to 29 °C). It can tolerate higher temperatures as long as there is ample moisture in the soil. However, it is not frost tolerant and will die back when temperatures drop below freezing.
Soil Requirements
Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger grows well in fertile, well-draining soils. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay. However, it prefers soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It is also tolerant of dry, drought-prone soils, making it an ideal plant for xeriscapes and other dryland gardens.
Cultivation Methods for Panicum Capillare L. Var. Campestre Gattinger
When cultivating Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger, it is best to start the process by selecting a well-drained planting site that gets adequate sunlight. This plant prefers sandy soil, so ensure that the soil is at the right texture. Planting should be done in the early spring, after the soil has warmed up, and when there is no longer a chance of frost.
The seeds of Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger should be sowed directly into the soil, about 1/4 inch deep. The planting should be done in rows that are about 18 to 24 inches apart, with spacing of 1 to 2 inches between the seeds.
Watering Needs for Panicum Capillare L. Var. Campestre Gattinger
Once the Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger has been planted, it will require frequent watering. The soil should be moist at all times, but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. The plant will require at least one inch of water per week, especially in the summer months when there is less rain.
Fertilization of Panicum Capillare L. Var. Campestre Gattinger
Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger thrives in soil with low fertility, so it requires little fertilization. However, if the soil is poor, you can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer during the planting time. It is also recommended to use a 1-2-inch layer of compost or aged manure to add nutrients to the soil.
Pruning of Panicum Capillare L. Var. Campestre Gattinger
Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger is a grass that requires minimal pruning. However, when the plant becomes too large, you can prune it back to a height of 3 to 4 inches. This should be done in the late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges. Pruning can be done using a sharp pair of garden shears or a lawnmower.
Propagation of Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger
Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger is a hardy annual grass that is commonly found in North America. It is often used in erosion control, prairie restoration, and as a forage crop for livestock. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through several methods, including:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation for Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger is through seed. Seeds can be planted directly into prepared soil in the spring, or they can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch and kept moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7-14 days.
Division
Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger can also be propagated through division. This method involves splitting the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in a new location. This is typically done in the early spring or fall when the plant is dormant. Each section should have a portion of the root system and several shoots, and they should be replanted immediately after division.
Sod plugs
Another method of propagation for Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger is through sod plugs. This involves cutting small sections of sod from an established plant and replanting them in a new location. The sod should be cut to a depth of 2-3 inches and should include some roots and shoots. The plugs should be replanted immediately after cutting.
Overall, Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger is an easy plant to propagate through a variety of methods. Whether starting from seed, division, or sod plugs, this grass is a great addition to any prairie or pasture restoration project.
Disease and Pest Management for Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger
Panicum capillare L. var. campestre Gattinger, commonly known as fall panic grass, is a warm-season grass that is commonly found in fields, pastures, and along roadsides. Like any other crop, fall panic grass can be affected by various diseases and pests that can cause significant yield losses if not managed properly.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect fall panic grass is rust. Rust appears as yellow to orange pustules on the leaves and stems and can cause significant yield losses if not controlled early. To manage rust, it is advisable to plant rust-resistant cultivars and practice crop rotation to reduce the buildup of the pathogen in the soil. Fungicides can also be used to control rust, but their effectiveness may be limited if the disease is already well established.
Another disease that can affect fall panic grass is anthracnose. It typically appears as small, dark spots on the leaves and can cause significant yield losses if left unmanaged. To prevent anthracnose, it is advisable to plant resistant cultivars, apply a balanced fertilizer to maintain plant health, and avoid watering the grass in the evening. Fungicides may also be used to control anthracnose, but they are usually not necessary in most cases.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect fall panic grass is the fall armyworm. The fall armyworm is a caterpillar that feeds on the leaves of the grass, which can cause significant damage if left uncontrolled. To manage fall armyworm, it is advisable to monitor the field regularly and apply insecticides when necessary. Insecticides should be applied when the worms are still small to achieve the best results.
Another pest that can affect fall panic grass is the chinch bug. Chinch bugs are small insects that suck the sap from the grass, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage chinch bugs, it is advisable to plant chinch bug-resistant cultivars and practice good cultural practices, such as proper irrigation and fertilization. Insecticides may also be used to control chinch bugs, but they should be as a last resort.
Conclusion
Overall, the key to managing disease and pests in fall panic grass is prevention. This can be achieved by planting resistant cultivars, practicing good cultural practices, and monitoring fields regularly. When disease or pest problems do occur, prompt action should be taken to minimize the damage and prevent the problem from spreading.
