Overview:
Panicum prostratum Lam., commonly referred to as prostrate panic grass, is a creeping, perennial grass belonging to the family Poaceae. It has a broad geographical range, with native populations found across North, Central and South America, and naturalized populations in other regions of the world. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions and can tolerate a range of environmental conditions, including drought and salinity.
Appearance:
The prostrate panic grass is a low-growing herb that spreads by means of rhizomes and stolons, forming a dense, sprawling mat. Its leaves are flat, narrow and taper to a fine point, and can reach up to 30 cm in length. The inflorescence of the plant consists of branched racemes that bear numerous spikelets, each containing tiny flowers.
Common Names:
Prostrate panic grass is known by several common names that vary by region, including smallseed panicgrass, panic grama, and huluhulugan. It is also called "Susumbung" in the Philippines.
Uses:
Prostrate panic grass is used as a forage plant and is appreciated by grazers. It is highly palatable and can be used for hay production, in pastures for livestock feed, and for silage. The plant also has potential for erosion control due to its extensive root system. Additionally, its adaptability to different environmental conditions makes it a useful species for restoration of degraded areas. In traditional medicine, the plant is used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
hereGrowth Conditions of Panicum prostratum Lam.
Light: Panicum prostratum Lam. is a sun-loving plant that requires direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day to grow healthy. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can hinder its growth and may lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature: This plant grows best in warm to hot temperatures. The optimal temperature range for Panicum prostratum Lam. growth is between 20°C to 35°C. It can tolerate high temperatures, but extreme heat or cold stress can affect its growth and development.
Water: Panicum prostratum Lam. requires moderate watering. It prefers well-drained, moist soils and can tolerate short periods of drought. Over-watering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases in the plant.
Soil: The plant grows best in fertile, well-drained soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH levels. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, overly compacted, poorly drained soils can cause root rot in the plant.
Fertilizer: Panicum prostratum Lam. is not a heavy feeder. However, occasional fertilization with nitrogen-rich fertilizers can promote growth and flowering in the plant. Care must be taken not to over-fertilize the plant, as excess fertilizer can lead to leaf burn and other damages.
Cultivation Methods
Panicum prostratum Lam. is a warm-season perennial grass that loves full sun and moist soil conditions. This plant can tolerate different soil types and grows well in sand, clay, or silt loam. The best time to plant this species is during spring or early fall when the soil temperature is above 60°F.
Before planting, loosen the soil and mix organic matter such as peat moss to improve soil quality. Sow the seeds in a shallow trench using a seed drill or broadcasting method. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 10-14 days.
Watering Needs
Panicum prostratum Lam. requires regular watering during the establishment phase. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate short periods of drought. Water the grass at least once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. The amount of water required will depend on the soil type, temperature, and humidity. Ensure that the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Panicum prostratum Lam. requires moderate fertilization to enhance growth and overall health. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the growing season. The amount of fertilizer to apply will depend on the soil type and the plant's growth rate. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive growth and make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Panicum prostratum Lam. requires minimal pruning. Prune the grass during the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant and promote faster healing. Removing dead or diseased stems, as well as unwanted growth, will enhance the plant's appearance and encourage vigorous growth.
Propagation of Panicum prostratum Lam.
Panicum prostratum Lam. can be propagated by seeds, vegetative cuttings, or division of root clumps.
Seeds
The plant produces seeds that can be collected and sown in a seedbed or directly in the field. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring when the soil has warmed up. Before sowing, the seeds can be soaked in warm water overnight to improve germination. The seedlings will emerge within two to three weeks after sowing.
Vegetative Cuttings
Vegetative cuttings can be taken from stem tips or lateral shoots during the growing season. These cuttings should be about 5 to 7 cm long with at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in sand or a well-drained potting mix and keep them moist. After four to six weeks, the cuttings should start to produce new roots.
Division
Root clump division is another method of propagating Panicum prostratum Lam. This is best done in the spring before new growth appears. Dig up the clump and carefully separate the roots into several sections. Replant these sections, making sure that each section has a good root system. Water the new plants thoroughly and keep them well-maintained until they establish themselves.
Disease and Pest Management for Panicum prostratum Lam.
Panicum prostratum Lam., also known as the prostrate panicgrass, is a cool-season grass grown for forage and turf. While it is generally resistant to most diseases and pests, some may still pose a threat to its growth. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Panicum prostratum and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases are a common threat to most grasses, including Panicum prostratum. Leaf spot diseases such as the Helminthosporium leaf spot and the Bipolaris leaf spot cause small necrotic spots on the leaves, which then leads to larger areas of dead tissue. Rust diseases like the Puccinia and Melampsora leaf rusts cause yellow to orange spots on leaves that release reddish brown spores.
The best way to manage fungal diseases is to prevent their occurrence. This can be done by ensuring good drainage and avoiding over-fertilization, which promotes the growth of diseased plants. If fungal diseases do occur, chemical fungicides can be used. However, this should only be done as a last resort as the overuse of chemicals can lead to resistance.
Common Pests
Cutworms are the most common pest that affects Panicum prostratum. These are the caterpillar larvae of several moth species that feed on the seedlings and young plants. Cutworms can be controlled by using biological controls such as parasitic nematodes or Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide. It's important to note that BT is only effective against younger larvae and not those that are already larger.
Armyworms are also a threat to Panicum prostratum, especially during the fall months. They feed on grass blades, leaving patches of grass that appear to have been mowed. To manage armyworms, the infested area should be treated with insecticides or natural predators like birds or parasitic wasps can be introduced to control their growth.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, you can ensure a healthy and productive growth of Panicum prostratum.
