Overview
Panicum rhizomatum A.S. Hitchc. & Chase, also known as Panicum hirticaule, is a perennial plant species belonging to the Poaceae family. It is native to North America, specifically found in the central United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Common Name
Panicum rhizomatum is commonly known as hairy-topped panicgrass or simply panicgrass. The name panicgrass comes from the Greek word "panikos" which means "of or relating to a god named Pan," because the plant often grows in areas that were once considered sacred to the god.
Appearance
The plant has a deep, fibrous root system with rhizomes that allow it to spread rapidly. The stems are typically 20-70 cm tall and are covered in rough hairs that give a hairy appearance. Panicum rhizomatum produces inflorescences, commonly called panicles, that are 5-25 cm long and have branches that are angled upwards.
Uses
There are no known uses for Panicum rhizomatum in traditional medicine. However, the plant is commonly used for forage and erosion control due to its deep root system and ability to grow in harsh conditions. It is also sometimes used as a decorative plant in gardens and landscapes because of its unique appearance.
Growth Conditions of Panicum rhizomatum
Panicum rhizomatum is a warm-season grass that thrives in sunlight and high temperatures. It is commonly found in the central and southwestern United States, specifically in rocky or gravelly soils.
Light Requirements
Panicum rhizomatum is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It cannot tolerate shade and will not reach its full potential if not grown in bright light. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting it in shady areas.
Soil Requirements
Panicum rhizomatum typically grows in soils that are well-drained, rocky, or gravelly in nature. It is a drought-tolerant plant; thus, it can handle sandy or loamy soils with low water content. However, it does not thrive in waterlogged soils.
Temperature Requirements
Panicum rhizomatum prefers warm temperatures of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 degrees Celsius). It also requires a minimum temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius) to germinate. Therefore, it is best to start planting Panicum rhizomatum in late spring or early summer. It can survive mild winter temperatures and may regrow year after year, depending on the location.
Other Requirements
Panicum rhizomatum requires periodic watering to maintain its root system. It is a heat-loving plant, so it is essential to water it regularly during the hot summer months. Apart from water, it is also necessary to fertilize the plant periodically, especially during its growing season, to promote healthy growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Panicum rhizomatum A.S. Hitchc. & Chase is a warm-season, slow-growing, and drought-resistant perennial plant that grows best in full sun exposure and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. To cultivate, sow seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch in well-drained soil in the spring. Keep the soil moist but not wet until seedlings appear. Thin them to 12-18 inches apart. Panicum rhizomatum A.S. Hitchc. & Chase can also be propagated through vegetative means, such as root division or stem cuttings.Watering Needs
Panicum rhizomatum A.S. Hitchc. & Chase is a drought-resistant plant that does not require frequent watering. However, during prolonged dry periods, it may benefit from occasional deep watering. Allow the soil to dry out partially between watering sessions to prevent overwatering, which may lead to root rot or other fungal diseases.Fertilization
Panicum rhizomatum A.S. Hitchc. & Chase does not require frequent fertilization. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can help promote growth and development. Avoid overfertilization, which may result in excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.Pruning
Panicum rhizomatum A.S. Hitchc. & Chase does not require regular pruning, but occasional deadheading or removal of spent inflorescences can help promote new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the entire plant to the ground in late fall or early winter to prepare for new growth in the following spring.Propagation of Panicum rhizomatum A.S. Hitchc. & Chase
Panicum rhizomatum A.S. Hitchc. & Chase, commonly known as rhizomatous panicgrass, can be propagated through both seeds and vegetative means. Understanding the propagation methods is important for the production and conservation of this plant species.
Propagation through Seeds
Panicum rhizomatum produces seeds which can be collected when ripe and used for propagation. The seeds should be sown in a well-prepared seedbed. This can be done indoors in a greenhouse or outdoors in a well-drained seedbed. The ideal temperature range for seed germination is between 20-25°C. Germination can take between 2-4 weeks.
Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be transplanted into individual containers or to the field. Seedlings should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Fertilization can be done regularly to promote growth.
Propagation through Vegetative Means
Propagation through vegetative means is another option for Panicum rhizomatum. The plant produces rhizomes, which can be used for propagation. Rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally and produce new plants.
To propagate through rhizomes, select healthy rhizomes and cut them into small sections with at least one bud. These sections can be planted horizontally in prepared soil, with the bud facing upwards. The soil should be kept moist, and the plants should be fertilized regularly.
It is also possible to propagate Panicum rhizomatum through stem cuttings. Cut a stem from a healthy plant and remove the leaves. Then, plant the stem in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. Roots should develop from the cut end, and new shoots should emerge from the top of the cutting.
Care should be taken when propagating through vegetative means to ensure genetic diversity is maintained. Using only one or a few plant sources can lead to the loss of genetic variation in a population.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that can affect Panicum rhizomatum is leaf spot caused by the fungus Helminthosporium sp. This disease is characterized by the appearance of circular lesions on the leaves that eventually turn brown and dry up. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to use disease-resistant cultivars, practice crop rotation, and avoid overhead irrigation.
Another disease that can affect Panicum rhizomatum is rust, caused by fungi in the genus Puccinia. Rust appears as yellow or orange pustules on the leaves and stems and can cause defoliation and stunting of the plant. To manage rust, it is recommended to use fungicides and remove and destroy infected plant debris.
Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum graminicola, can also affect Panicum rhizomatum. This disease appears as small, dark spots on the leaves and stems that can expand and cause leaf blight. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to use disease-resistant cultivars and to avoid overhead irrigation.
Pest Management
The main pest that can affect Panicum rhizomatum is the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), which feeds on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage fall armyworm infestations, it is recommended to use insecticides, release natural predators such as parasitoids and predators, and use pheromone traps to monitor and control the population.
Other pests that can affect Panicum rhizomatum include cutworms, aphids, and whiteflies. Cutworms can be managed by using insecticides and applying beneficial nematodes to the soil. Aphids and whiteflies can be managed by using insecticidal soap or oil, releasing natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings, and removing and destroying infected plant debris.
