Panicum Intermedium (roem. & Schult.) Roth

Overview

Panicum intermedium (Roem. & Schult.) Roth is a perennial grass species that is commonly known as intermediate panicgrass.

Origin

The plant is native to North America, where it is found in most states in the USA. It also occurs in Canada and Mexico.

Common Names

Besides the intermediate panicgrass, other common names for Panicum intermedium include Torrey panicum, pale panicgrass, inland panicgrass, and inland panicum.

Appearance

The intermediate panicgrass has a height of about 3 to 7 feet when mature. It has deep green leaves which can grow up to 12 inches long and 1 inch wide. Its stems are slender and have a reddish or purplish color.

Panicum intermedium has small panicles of yellow-green flowers that bloom from July to September. The flowers are followed by seeds that resemble grains.

Uses

Panicum intermedium is primarily grown as a forage plant to feed livestock. It is also used for erosion control and soil stabilization due to its extensive root system. Additionally, the plant is sometimes used as an ornamental grass in landscaping.

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Light Requirements

Panicum intermedium is a warm-season grass species that requires high levels of sunlight to thrive. Adequate light exposure ensures efficient photosynthesis and overall growth. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and grows best under full sunlight exposure.

Temperature Requirements

This plant species is adapted to grow in warm climates and requires temperatures between 21°C to 27°C for optimal growth. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -10°C and as high as 40°C. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below -10°C can, however, damage or kill the plant.

Soil Requirements

Panicum intermedium grows well in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soil. The soil should be well-drained and have a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic soils but does not grow well in alkaline soil. Panicum intermedium also thrives in soils with high organic matter content and can tolerate soil salinity levels of up to 6 dS/m.

Cultivation Methods

The Panicum intermedium (Roem. & Schult.) Roth, commonly referred to as the intermediate panicgrass, is a warm-season grass and requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH level ranging between 6.0 and 7.5. Since the plant is native to open woodland and savannahs, it thrives well in loamy soil with good moisture retention. The ideal time to sow culture is during spring or summer, and the planting depth should be 1/4 inches deep.

Watering Needs

The intermediate panicgrass requires regular watering, especially during the initial establishment stages. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged during the first two weeks of growth. After the establishment stage, watering can be reduced and done only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to strike a balance.

Fertilization

For optimal growth, the Panicum intermedium needs essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Before planting, it is recommended to add a slow-release fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus and potassium to help in the establishment of the root system. After the establishment stage, it is recommended to provide the plant with a complete fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and apply it at least twice a year.

Pruning

The Panicum intermedium does not require a lot of pruning since it has a natural growth habit of growing tall and upright. Regular pruning of the grass tips helps to promote lateral growth and increases the volume of forage available for grazing livestock. The ideal time to prune the grass is during the early stages of growth, before the seeds start to mature.

Propagation of Panicum intermedium

Panicum intermedium (Roem. & Schult.) Roth, commonly known as intermediate panicgrass or tumble panicgrass, is a perennial grass species that is native to North and South America. This grass is widely cultivated for forage and as an ornamental plant. Here are some methods of propagating Panicum intermedium:

Vegetative Propagation

Vegetative propagation is the most common method of propagating Panicum intermedium. This method involves using vegetative parts of the plant to produce new plants. The vegetative parts can be stems, roots, or leaves. Rhizomes and stolons, which are underground stems that produce new shoots and roots, can also be used for propagation. Cuttings of the plant can be taken in the spring or early summer months and planted in soil. The cuttings should be kept moist until they root and begin to grow.

Seed Propagation

Panicum intermedium can also be propagated through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature plants, ideally early in the fall. The seeds can be sown directly into prepared soil in the fall or early spring. The soil should be moist and well-drained. The seeds can also be started indoors and then transplanted outdoors once the weather warms up. Germination typically occurs within two to four weeks after planting.

Division

Division is another method of propagating Panicum intermedium. This method involves dividing the plant's root system. The best time to divide Panicum intermedium is in the spring, just before new growth begins. The plant should be carefully lifted from the soil and gently separated into smaller sections, making sure that each section has both roots and shoots. The sections should then be planted in prepared soil and kept moist until they become established.

Disease Management of Panicum intermedium

Panicum intermedium is susceptible to several diseases, including rust and leaf spots. Rust is a fungal disease that appears as rusty spots on the leaves, while leaf spots appear as small, dark spots. To manage rust, prevent overhead watering and remove affected leaves promptly. Applying a fungicide may also be necessary. For leaf spots, remove affected leaves and spray with a copper-based fungicide.

Pest Management of Panicum intermedium

Several pests can affect Panicum intermedium, including armyworms, cutworms, and aphids. Armyworms and cutworms are caterpillars that damage the leaves and stem, while aphids feed on the sap of the plant. To manage these pests, plow and cultivate regularly to expose the pupae to predators. Apply insecticides as necessary. Aphids can be removed with a strong stream of water or by applying insecticidal soap.