Description of Paspalum bicorne Lam.
Paspalum bicorne Lam. is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is commonly known as 'Angola grass' or 'bicorn paspalum.'
Origin of Paspalum bicorne Lam.
The plant is native to Africa and is widely distributed across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and South Africa.
General Appearance of Paspalum bicorne Lam.
Paspalum bicorne Lam. grows up to 1 meter tall and has a stout stem with numerous branches. The leaves are flat and long, measuring about 10-20 cm in length and 3-10 mm in width. The edges of the leaves are finely serrated and have a rough texture.
The inflorescence of the plant is a panicle that arises from the tips of the branches. The spikelets are arranged in pairs along the branches, with each spikelet containing two florets. The flowers are tiny and not showy.
Uses of Paspalum bicorne Lam.
Paspalum bicorne Lam. is an essential forage grass for livestock production in Africa. It is a valuable source of feed for grazing animals like cattle, goats, and sheep. The grass is highly palatable and has a high protein content, making it an ideal choice for animal feed.
In addition, Paspalum bicorne Lam. has medicinal properties and is used traditionally to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, stomach pains, and fever.
The plant is also used for erosion control and as a soil stabilizer due to its deep root system. It is drought-resistant and can thrive in poor soil conditions, making it an ideal plant for soil conservation.
Light Requirements
The plant Paspalum bicorne Lam. requires full sunlight to grow properly. It cannot thrive in deep shade or heavily shaded areas. As a result, it should be planted in an open area with plenty of natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Paspalum bicorne Lam. is native to tropical or subtropical regions and therefore requires warm temperatures to grow. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius. At temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius, the growth rate of the plant will slow.
Soil Requirements
Paspalum bicorne Lam. can grow well in different types of soil, but it generally prefers well-drained soils. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.5). It should also be rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Organic matter addition to the soil improves texture and fertility.
Cultivation methods for Paspalum bicorne Lam.
Paspalum bicorne Lam., also called horns Paspalum, is an excellent choice for lawns, golf courses, and sports pitches. It typically grows in warm climates, where it thrives in sunny or partially sunny locations. For effective cultivation, plant Paspalum bicorne Lam. in soil that drains well and preferably in the spring or early summer. It usually adapts well to most soils, but it prefers slightly acidic soils with pH values of 5.5 to 7. Sow the seeds approximately 13mm in depth and cover them lightly with soil.
Watering needs for Paspalum bicorne Lam.
As a warm-season grass, Paspalum bicorne Lam. requires frequent watering to maintain its growth and health. The plant requires approximately 25-30mm of water per week, but this can vary based on the climate, soil type, and temperature. The grass should receive water twice a week in hot seasons and once a week in cooler climates. When watering, ensure that the soil is soaked to a depth of 5-6 inches thoroughly. Avoid watering Paspalum bicorne Lam. excessively as it can attract diseases that may harm the grass.
Fertilization for Paspalum bicorne Lam.
Paspalum bicorne Lam. should be fertilized every year to maintain its vigour. It would help if you fertilized the grass 3-4 times annually. Mostly, the ideal times for fertilization are early summer, mid-summer, early fall, and late fall. Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer for the first two rounds of fertilization, one that has a ratio of 21-0-0 or 16-0-0. In the subsequent rounds, use a formulation containing potassium and phosphorus, without significant nitrogen. The application rate must be in accordance with the specific recommendations of the manufacturer.
Pruning of Paspalum bicorne Lam.
Pruning Paspalum bicorne Lam. is necessary to maintain its health, beauty, and overall aesthetics. It promotes growth and helps keep the grass looking neat and tidy. When mowing, ensure that the grass blades are cut 25-50mm high, depending on the intended use. Sports fields require short grass, while golf courses and lawns may have longer grass. Avoid cutting the blades too short as this can damage the grass.
Propagation of Paspalum bicorne Lam.
Paspalum bicorne Lam., also known as bifid paspalum, is a perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to South America and can grow up to 1 meter in height. The plant is commonly propagated through seeds and vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is the most common and easiest way to propagate Paspalum bicorne Lam. The seeds can be collected from mature plants and should be sown in well-drained soil. It is important to note that the seeds of this plant have a hard seed coat and may need to be scarified before planting to improve germination. Scarification can be done by soaking the seeds in hot water for several hours. After scarification, the seeds can be planted at a depth of 1 to 2 cm and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 21 days.
Vegetative Propagation
Paspalum bicorne Lam. can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. The preferred method is through rhizomes as they have a high success rate. Rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally and produce new shoots and roots. Rhizomes can be divided into sections, each with a node, and planted in well-drained soil. This method is suitable for propagating large areas of the plant. Stem cuttings can also be taken from mature plants and planted in a rooting medium. It is important to keep the soil moist and protect the cuttings from direct sunlight until roots have developed.
Propagation of Paspalum bicorne Lam. is relatively easy, and the plant tends to spread quickly. Proper care and maintenance of newly propagated plants will ensure a healthy and successful growth.
Disease Management
Paspalum bicorne Lam. is generally resistant to various diseases. However, some diseases may still affect this plant, and it's essential to manage them to keep the plant healthy and productive.
Leaf spot: One of the common diseases that can affect Paspalum bicorne is leaf spot. This disease is characterized by circular spots on the leaves, which may be brown or black. To manage this disease, it's crucial to keep the area surrounding the plant clean and dry. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. Also, fungicides can be used to control the spread of the disease.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is another disease that can affect Paspalum bicorne. This disease is characterized by sunken, oval, or circular lesions on stems, leaves, and seed heads. To manage this disease, it is necessary to improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Infected plant materials should be removed and destroyed, and fungicide can also be sprayed on the plant.
Pest Management
Pests can cause significant damage to Paspalum bicorne plants, reducing their growth and productivity. Therefore, it's essential to manage pests to keep the plant healthy and productive.
Cutworms: Cutworms can cause severe damage to young Paspalum bicorne plants. These insects cut the plant at the base, causing it to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, it is necessary to remove any debris or weeds around the plant, which may provide habitat for these insects. Also, installing a barrier around the stem of the plant can prevent cutworms from reaching the plant.
Armyworms: Armyworms can also affect Paspalum bicorne plants, especially during the late summer and early fall. These insects can eat the leaves of the plant, causing severe defoliation. To manage armyworms, it's crucial to keep the surrounding area clean and remove any debris or weeds that may provide shelter for these insects. Additionally, insecticides can be used to control the population of armyworms in the area.
Mites: Mites are tiny insects that can cause severe damage to Paspalum bicorne plants. These insects feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and defoliation. To manage mites, it's essential to provide adequate water to the plant and promote air circulation around the leaves. Insecticides can also be used to control the population of mites in the area.
Overall, managing diseases and pests is essential to keep Paspalum bicorne healthy and productive. It's crucial to keep the surrounding area clean, provide adequate water to the plant, and promote good air circulation around the plant. When necessary, using insecticides or fungicides can help control the spread of pests and diseases in the area.
