Overview of Panicum clandestinum L.
Panicum clandestinum L., also known as Deertongue Grass, is a perennial plant belonging to the Poaceae family. It is a low-growing, creeping grass that spreads aggressively and grows in clumps. This plant is native to North America and is found throughout the United States, especially in the central and eastern regions.General Appearance of Panicum clandestinum L.
The Deertongue grass has blue-green to gray-green colored leaves that appear flat and measure up to 7.5 cm in length and 3 mm in width. The leaf blades are hairy near the base and have a rough surface. It produces flower spikes that can grow up to 90 cm in height, and the spikelets occur in clusters. The flowers are green, yellow, or purple, and the seeds are brown and about 1.5 mm long.Common Uses of Panicum clandestinum L.
In traditional medicine, the Deertongue Grass has been used to treat intestinal worms, fever, and inflammation. This plant is also an important forage crop for livestock, as it is high in protein and nutrients. Additionally, it is used for soil stabilization, groundcover, and erosion control. In recent years, Deertongue grass has also been of interest for its potential as a biofuel crop due to its ability to grow in poor soil conditions, low water availability, and resistance to pests and diseases.In conclusion
In summary, Panicum clandestinum L. is a low-growing, creeping grass that is native to North America, used for traditional medicine, forage crop, soil stabilization, groundcover, and erosion control. It has potential as a biofuel crop, which has captured the attention of many researchers.Growth Conditions for Panicum clandestinum L.
Panicum clandestinum, also known as deer-tongue grass, is a warm-season perennial grass that is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as fields, meadows, and woodland edges. Here are some of the typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light Requirements
Panicum clandestinum grows best in areas with full sunlight exposure, but it can also tolerate partial shade. However, it may become less dense and produce fewer seeds in shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to warmer temperatures and thrives in areas with a mean annual temperature of 15-30°C. It can tolerate drought, but it may go dormant during prolonged dry spells. On the other hand, excessive moisture can lead to disease and decay.
Soil Requirements
Panicum clandestinum is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained, medium to fine-textured soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It can also grow in soils with low fertility but may benefit from regular fertilization.
Overall, Panicum clandestinum is a resilient grass that is easy to grow once it is established. It can be used for erosion control, forage, and wildlife habitat improvement. Understanding its growth conditions is key to its successful cultivation.
Cultivation Methods
Panicum clandestinum L. or Deccan grass is a warm-season grass that can be grown in a variety of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and red soils. This plant is propagated from seeds, which should be sown two to three months before the onset of the rainy season. The seeds should be sown in furrows that are 1 cm deep and 30 cm apart. After sowing, the seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and irrigated every alternate day until the germination occurs
Watering Needs
Deccan grass requires ample amounts of water for its optimal growth, but the watering frequency should be adjusted to the weather conditions, soil type, and stage of plant growth. In the initial stages of growth, the plant should be watered frequently to maintain soil moisture and aid in germination. After the establishment, the frequency of irrigation can be reduced to once every seven to ten days.
Fertilization
For the optimal growth and yield, Deccan grass requires a balanced supply of essential plant nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is advised to use 60 kg nitrogen, 20 kg phosphorus, and 40 kg potassium per hectare of land. The nitrogen dosage can be divided into four to five equal parts and applied during the growing season.
Pruning
Deccan grass does not require any pruning; however, it is advised to remove the dried-out parts of the plant periodically. This helps to encourage new growth and maintains a healthy appearance. The ideal time to remove the dead parts of the plant is during the late winter or early spring when the plant is starting to emerge from dormancy.
Propagation of Panicum clandestinum L.
Panicum clandestinum L., also known as Deccan grass or Guinea grass, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the family Poaceae. The grass is native to Africa and now widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is a highly productive and nutritious forage crop that has a high demand for livestock feeding. The grass spreads rapidly and is useful in erosion control and soil conservation. Panicum clandestinum L. can be propagated through various methods, which are:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods of propagating Panicum clandestinum L. The plant produces seeds that are viable for over six months and germinate within 7-10 days. The seeds can be directly sown in the field or raised in a nursery. The nursery should be in a shaded area, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of 0.5-1 cm. The seedlings can be transplanted to the field after 4-6 weeks of germination.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation involves the use of plant parts other than seeds, such as stem cuttings or root divisions. This method is ideal for propagating cultivars of Panicum clandestinum L. that do not produce viable seeds. Stem cuttings of about 15-20 cm length can be taken from healthy plants and treated with rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a moist and well-drained medium and kept in a shade house for three to four weeks. Once the roots are established, the cuttings can be transplanted to the desired location.
Sod propagation
Sod propagation is a quick and efficient method of propagating Panicum clandestinum L. The method involves removing small sections of sod from the edges of the field and transplanting them to the desired location. The sod should be cut into small pieces and planted immediately. The planted sod should be watered regularly until the roots are established.
Division
Division of mature plants is another method of propagating Panicum clandestinum L. The method involves dividing the clumps of the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in the desired location. The division should be done during the dormant season, and the plants should be watered regularly until the roots are established.
Disease Management
Panicum clandestinum L., commonly known as Deccan grass, is susceptible to various diseases caused by fungi, viruses, and bacteria. The following are the common diseases that might affect the plant:
Fungal Diseases
Fusarium Wilt: This is a severe disease that is caused by Fusarium oxysporum and affects the roots and stems of the plant. The leaves of the plant turn yellow and start wilting.
Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by different fungi, including Bipolaris sorghicola and Curvularia sp. It leads to the appearance of small circular spots on the leaves, which may enlarge, merge, and become necrotic.
Rust: This disease is caused by the fungus Puccinia spp. and leads to the development of small orange spores on the leaves. The infected leaves may turn yellow and drop prematurely.
Sooty Mold: This is a fungal disease that is caused by Capnodium spp. The disease leads to the formation of a black, powdery surface on the leaves, which hinders photosynthesis and reduces the plant's productivity.
Viral Diseases
Maize Mosaic Virus: This virus is transmitted by insects, particularly aphids, and is characterized by the presence of yellow stripes on the leaves. The leaves may also turn yellow and exhibit mosaic patterns.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by the bacterium, Pseudomonas syringae pv. Panicola. It leads to the formation of water-soaked spots on the leaves and stems. The spots turn brown, leading to the deformation of the leaves and plant death.
To manage the above diseases, the following measures can be taken:
- Plant resistant cultivars
- Adopt crop rotation to prevent the buildup of the pathogens in the soil
- Use of fungicides and bactericides to control the spread of diseases
- Removal of infected crop residues and plant debris to reduce the spread of pathogens
Pest Management
Panicum clandestinum L. is also susceptible to pest attacks that can impact its growth and productivity. The common pests that may attack the plant include:
Insect Pests
Armyworms: These are small, green or brown caterpillars that feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause severe defoliation.
Cutworms: These are the larvae of moths and cut the young plants at the base leading to stunted growth and eventual crop failure.
Sugarcane aphids: These are small, yellow insects that suck the sap out of the plant, leading to the yellowing of leaves and reduced growth.
Mite Pests
Red Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that suck the sap out of the leaves of the plant, leading to speckled leaves and reduced photosynthesis capacity of the plant.
To control these pests, the following measures can be taken:
- Use of physical barriers such as nets to prevent pest attacks
- Adopt crop rotation to reduce the buildup of pest populations in the soil
- Use of biological control methods such as predators and parasites that attack the pests
- Use of approved insecticides or acaricides to control the pest population
It is also essential to monitor the plant regularly to detect any pest infestation or disease outbreak early for timely intervention.
