Overview
Panicum schlechteri Hack. is a species of grass that is native to the African continent. This particular plant belongs to the Poaceae family also known as the grass family.
Common Names
Panicum schlechteri Hack. is commonly referred to as Schlechter's panic grass or just panicum.
Appearance
The plant typically ranges from 30 to 100 cm in height and has an erect growth pattern. The leaves of the plant are long and slender, reaching up to 30 cm in length and 2 cm in width. At the base of the plant are a few spare leaves. The inflorescences are in panicles that are about 12 cm in length. Panicum schlechteri Hack has spikelets that are ovate, about 2.5 mm in length, and are generally green to purple.
Uses
Panicum schlechteri Hack. is primarily used for livestock feed due to its nutritional content. It is also used as a cover crop on farmland or as a source of thatching material in certain parts of Africa.
Light Requirements
Panicum schlechteri Hack. thrives in full sun or partially shaded conditions. It requires a minimum of 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Panicum schlechteri Hack. is between 20°C and 35°C. It has good heat tolerance and can survive in high-temperature areas with proper care and regular watering.
Soil Requirements
Panicum schlechteri Hack. prefers well-drained, moist, and fertile soils. It can survive in a wide range of soil types but prefers sandy loam or loamy soil. The soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant requires regular watering during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Panicum schlechteri is a tropical grass that grows well in warm and humid climates. For cultivation, the soil should be well-draining and rich in nutrients. It is ideal to plant the grass in areas that receive full sunlight. The best time for planting is during the rainy season when soil moisture is optimum. Sow the seeds directly in the soil or prepare seedlings in pots and subsequently transplant them into the field.Watering Needs
Panicum schlechteri requires moderate watering, and it is important to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Water the grass deeply during the early morning or late afternoon to minimize the loss of moisture through evaporation. Reduce the frequency of watering during cold weather.Fertilization
Fertilization is important to ensure the grass gets all the nutrients necessary for rapid growth and development. Use organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote healthy roots, strong stems and lush foliage. Apply the fertilizer during the rainy season as it helps to dissolve the nutrients in the soil and promotes uptake by the plant.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Panicum schlechteri as it is a low-maintenance grass that is capable of self-regeneration. However, it is advisable to cut back the stems during the dry season to stimulate growth and reduce water loss. Also, remove any dead or damaged shoots to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.Propagation of Panicum schlechteri Hack.
Panicum schlechteri Hack. can be propagated through seeds and vegetative means. The plant produces viable seeds that can be sown directly into a seedbed or potting mix. It is important to note that the seeds should be collected from healthy and mature plants for better germination rates.
In vegetative propagation, the plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, and layering. Stem cuttings are taken from healthy and mature plants and treated with rooting hormone before being planted in a rooting medium. Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its roots and shoots, and replanting them in the same or different pots. Layering involves bending a low-lying branch towards the ground, covering a section of it with soil until it roots, and severing it from the parent plant.
Although Panicum schlechteri Hack. can be propagated through these methods, it is essential to ensure that the plant's environmental needs, such as proper soil and sunlight, are met to ensure successful propagation.
Disease Management
Panicum schlechteri Hack. is generally a resilient plant, and its disease incidence rates are usually low. However, some diseases can still affect it, such as
- Fungal leaf spots: These appear on the leaves as small, brown spots with yellow margins. They can merge and form large patches, leading to defoliation. Management includes improving ventilation, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
- Maize streak virus: It appears as yellow streaks or chlorotic stripes on leaves, stunting growth, and reducing yield. The primary management strategy is to reduce insect activity by using insecticides or planting resistant varieties.
Pest Management
Panicum schlechteri Hack. is prone to insect infestations. Pests that affect this plant include:
- Shoot fly: It affects leaves and stems, leading to plant death. Management involves using tolerant varieties, plowing deeply after harvest, and clearing crop debris.
- Armyworms: They cause serious leaf feeding, leading to yield loss. Management includes regular scouting, applying insecticides, and handpicking and destroying infected plants.
Given that Panicum schlechteri Hack. is commonly intercropped with maize, it also experiences pests that affect maize, such as grain weevils. Managing these pests involves drying harvested produce properly, storing it in clean, dry, and airtight containers, and applying insecticide sprays.
