Paspalum Bifidum (bertol.) Nash - Pitchfork Crowngrass

Overview

Paspalum bifidum (Bertol.) Nash is a perennial grass that is native to North, Central, and South America. It is also known by several common names, including Splitseed paspalum, Large-seeded paspalum, and Cempasúchil.

Appearance

This plant can grow up to 3 feet in height with a spread of up to 2 feet. It has narrow leaves that are up to 7 inches long and 0.4 inches wide. The purplish-red tinged stems are smooth and slender. The seed heads are located at the end of the stems and are composed of numerous spikelets. The seeds are small and flattened, and are divided into two parts.

Uses

Paspalum bifidum has several uses, such as being a good forage for livestock. The seeds are also used as food for birds and other animals. It can be used as an ornamental grass or a groundcover in gardens or landscapes. In addition, it is used for soil stabilization, erosion control, and as a component in the reclamation of disturbed areas.

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Light Requirements

Paspalum bifidum requires full sun or partial shade to grow well. It can tolerate partial shade but grows best in sunlight. As a result, it can thrive in open areas, meadows, and grasslands with good light conditions as well as grown as landscaping plants.

Temperature Requirements

The plant requires a warm temperature and moisture to grow well. It grows best in tropical and subtropical areas with an annual average temperature of around 26°C. Paspalum bifidum can also tolerate cold temperatures as low as 5°C, but growth is slower during such periods. It is frost-sensitive, and any exposure to frost can damage or kill the plant.

Soil Requirements

The plant requires well-draining soil to grow. It can grow in most soil types but prefers well-draining soils such as sandy loam, clay loam, and fertile soils. The pH levels of the soil should be between 5.5 to 7.5. A soil with a pH level below or above this range can affect nutrient absorption, leading to stunted growth. The plant also requires adequate soil moisture to grow well.

Cultivation Methods for Paspalum Bifidum

Paspalum bifidum, commonly known as bifid paspalum, grows well in various soil types but prefers moist, well-drained pH neutral soils. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade making it versatile in different planting locations. Propagation of Paspalum bifidum can be done through seed or sod.

Watering Needs for Paspalum Bifidum

Although Paspalum bifidum grows best in moist soils, it is drought tolerant once established. This means that it requires regular watering until the roots are established, then it can survive with little to no additional watering. It is important not to over-water the plant as it can lead to root rot.

Fertilization of Paspalum Bifidum

Paspalum bifidum requires fertilization to thrive. A slow release fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) ratio of 3-1-2 is ideal. The best time to fertilize the plant is in the spring before the growing season begins. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced root development.

Pruning Paspalum Bifidum

Paspalum bifidum requires minimal pruning. Dead or diseased leaves and stems should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. To promote the health and growth of the plant, it should be cut back to a height of 2-3 inches at the end of the growing season. This will allow the plant to rejuvenate in the spring and produce new growth.

Propagation of Paspalum bifidum

Paspalum bifidum (Bertol.) Nash, commonly known as bifid paspalum, is a warm-season, perennial grass species commonly found in South America and the southeastern region of the United States. It is commonly used for forage, erosion control, and landscaping purposes.

Propagation Methods

Paspalum bifidum can be propagated by seeds, vegetative propagation, or sod.

Seed propagation: Seeds of Paspalum bifidum can be sown in the field or in a seedbed, preferably during the spring or early summer. The seeds should be surface-sown and covered lightly with soil. Germination usually occurs within 10-14 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have grown to a suitable size.

Vegetative propagation: Paspalum bifidum can also be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings should be taken during the summer when the plant is actively growing and inserted into the soil to produce new roots and shoots. Division is usually performed during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. The clump is divided into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. These can then be transplanted to their permanent location.

Sod: Sod is an excellent method of propagating Paspalum bifidum as it allows for the rapid establishment of a new lawn or pasture. Sod can be harvested from an established stand of Paspalum bifidum using a sod cutter or other mechanical means, then transplanted to its new location. Care should be taken to ensure that the sod is kept moist and well-watered during the first few weeks after transplanting.

In conclusion, Paspalum bifidum is a highly versatile and useful grass species that can be propagated through several methods. The choice of propagation method depends on the specific intended use and the available resources and infrastructure.

Disease Management

Paspalum bifidum is generally known to be a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it can still be affected by certain diseases, especially in unfavorable growing conditions. Here are some common diseases that can affect the Paspalum bifidum and ways to manage them:

Brown patch

Brown patch is a fungal disease that can affect Paspalum bifidum and cause circular patches of brown grass. To manage brown patch, avoid over watering the plant, use fertilizers with low nitrogen content, and promote good air circulation through regular mowing and avoiding excessive thatch buildup.

Snow mold

Snow mold is a fungal disease that can affect the Paspalum bifidum in colder regions. It can cause large yellow or white patches of grass that can kill the plant. To manage snow mold, avoid excessive fertilization during late fall, rake up leaves and other debris in the fall, and avoid compacting the soil in winter.

Pest Management

While Paspalum bifidum is relatively pest-resistant, there are still some common pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some ways to manage them:

White grubs

White grubs are the larvae of certain beetle species and can feed on the roots of Paspalum bifidum, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage white grubs, use insecticides with the active ingredients Imidacloprid or Chlorantraniliprole during the late summer or early fall to target the grubs.

Cutworms

Cutworms are the larvae of moths and can cut through young Paspalum bifidum stems at or below the soil surface, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, apply insecticides with the active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) directly on the plant surface or the soil surface near the plant.