Origin
Panicum incanum Schumach is a species of grass that belongs to the family of Poaceae. It is native to Africa, particularly in countries like Angola, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and others.
Common Names
This grass has many common names, including African millet grass, bird panic grass, bushveld lovegrass, and jackal grass.
Uses
Panicum incanum Schumach. has several uses. It is often utilized for animal feed, particularly for grazing animals like cattle and sheep. The seeds and leaves of the plant are also edible and have been used by African tribes as a source of food. Additionally, this species is commonly grown as a decorative plant for gardening and landscaping purposes. It can also provide soil erosion control as it has an extensive root system.
Appearance
Panicum incanum Schumach. has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from other grass species. It is a tufted, perennial grass that typically grows to a height of 60 – 150 cm. The leaves of the plant are long, slender, and hairy in texture, with a blue-grey color that can range from light-green to red-brown. The flowers produced by the plant are cone-shaped and occur in compact panicles that are 7 - 20 cm long. The seeds are small, round, and yellowish-brown in color and are produced in large quantities.
Growth Conditions of Panicum incanum Schumach.
Panicum incanum Schumach., commonly known as purple panicum, is a drought-tolerant grass species that is endemic to Africa. It is a perennial grass that can grow up to 1 meter tall and 50 cm wide.
Light Requirements
Panicum incanum Schumach. requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate some shade but performs best when grown in bright sunlight. If grown in shady areas, it may become leggy and weak. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in an open space that receives direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Panicum incanum Schumach. growth is between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate temperature fluctuations but cannot survive in extremely low or high temperatures. The grass is drought-tolerant and can tolerate hot and dry weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Panicum incanum Schumach. is not specific to soil type but it prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clayey soils but cannot tolerate water-logged conditions. Therefore, it is essential to ensure adequate water drainage or grow it in raised beds or containers. It can also grow in areas with low soil fertility but performs best when grown in amended soils with adequate nutrients.
Overall, Panicum incanum Schumach. is a low-maintenance grass that can tolerate adverse growth conditions. With appropriate light, temperature, and soil conditions, it can grow optimally and provide an ornamental appearance to gardens and landscapes.
Cultivation methods
Panicum incanum Schumach. can be cultivated through direct seeding or by transplanting seedlings. The plant requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter and a warm, sunny location for optimal growth. Sow the seeds in rows or broadcast them in the desired location, keeping them moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs.
Watering needs
The watering needs of Panicum incanum Schumach. depend on the stage of growth and weather conditions. During the germination period, the soil should remain moist. As the plant grows, water it deeply once a week or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Watering should be reduced during the winter months.
Fertilization
Applying a slow-release fertilizer once a year is sufficient for Panicum incanum Schumach. Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen that can cause the plant to produce excess foliage instead of flowers. Organic fertilizers like compost or manure are great alternatives to chemical fertilizers.
Pruning
Panicum incanum Schumach. does not require regular pruning. However, dead or damaged leaves can be removed to improve the plant's appearance. If the plant becomes too tall, it can be cut back by half its length during the growing season.
Propagation methods for Panicum incanum Schumach.
Panicum incanum Schumach. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Propagation by Seeds
The plant produces seeds that can be used for propagation. The seeds should be collected when they are mature and dry. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors in seed trays. For best results, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until they germinate, which typically takes between 7-14 days.
Propagation by Plant Division
Panicum incanum Schumach. can also be propagated by dividing established plants. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring when new growth appears. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the roots should be separated into smaller sections using a sharp, clean knife. Each section should have at least one new shoot and a good portion of roots. The new plants should be planted at the same depth as the original plant and watered well.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Panicum incanum Schumach. can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select healthy stems that are about 6 inches long and cut them just below a node. Remove the bottom leaves, leaving only the top two or three. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright location. Roots should develop in 4-6 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Panicum incanum Schumach.
Panicum incanum Schumach., commonly known as the grey panic grass, is a hardy, perennial bunchgrass that originates from Africa and is widely distributed across the United States and other continents. Although the plant is generally disease-resistant and hardy, it can still be attacked by some pests and diseases that can reduce its yield and quality. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Panicum incanum and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that is caused by several pathogens and can cause defoliation, stunting, and even death of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid overhead irrigation, remove and destroy infected leaves, and apply fungicides such as chlorothalonil, mancozeb, and azoxystrobin.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can cause yellowish-orange pustules on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, and apply fungicides such as triadimefon, myclobutanil, and propiconazole.
Pests
Armyworms: Armyworms are caterpillars that can cause defoliation, and in severe cases, can kill the plant. To manage these pests, handpick and destroy them or apply insecticides such as spinosad, Bacillus thuringiensis, and permethrin.
Wireworms: Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles and can cause root damage, leading to stunted growth and poor yields. To manage these pests, rotate crops, avoid sod fields, and apply insecticides such as chlorpyrifos.
In conclusion, maintaining good sanitation practices, selecting disease-resistant varieties, and using integrated pest management strategies can contribute towards maintaining a healthy Panicum incanum crop and ensuring optimal yield and quality.
