Overview
Paspalum densum Poir. is a type of grass native to South America and commonly known as dense paspalum or Uruguay grass. It is a perennial plant that thrives well in tropical and subtropical regions with acidic soils.
General Appearance
The dense paspalum has an upright growth habit with a height of 40-60 cm. The plant has long narrow leaves that are smooth and pointed at the tip. The leaves range from a bluish-green to dark green color, and the culms are rigid and tough.
Common Names
Aside from dense paspalum and Uruguay grass, other names used for the plant include broad-leaved paspalum and cow-grass.
Uses
Paspalum densum has various uses in agriculture and medicine. As a forage crop, it is valuable in livestock grazing and hay production. The grass is also used in erosion control programs. Furthermore, studies have shown that the plant possesses anti-inflammatory properties and has potential use as a therapeutic herb in indigenous medicine.
Light Requirements:
Paspalum densum Poir., commonly known as dense paspalum, requires full sun exposure to grow. The plant needs about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is best to grow the plant in an open area where it can get ample sunlight and no shade.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature for the growth of Paspalum densum Poir. is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant is quite tolerant to heat and can thrive in high-temperature conditions. However, it cannot withstand frost or extremely low temperatures. The minimum temperature required for the plant's survival is about 5°C.
Soil Requirements:
Paspalum densum Poir. grows well in well-draining soil of medium texture. The pH range of the soil should be between 6.0 to 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. The plant is sensitive to water-logging and cannot grow in areas with continuous water stagnation. It prefers soil with good organic matter content and can tolerate high salinity levels.
Cultivation Methods
Paspalum densum Poir. is a warm-season grass that prefers temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) for optimal growth. It thrives in well-draining soil, but can also tolerate mildly saline or sodic soils. This plant species does best in full sun, but it also grows well in partial shade. For best results, plant Paspalum densum Poir. in the spring or summer when soil temperatures have warmed up and the danger of frost has passed.
Watering Needs
Paspalum densum Poir. has moderate water needs. It requires regular irrigation during the hot summer months to maintain its vibrant green color and to continue to grow, but it also needs well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. It doesn't require much water during the cooler months of the year. Irrigate only when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is necessary to maintain the health and vigor of Paspalum densum Poir. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Avoid using too much nitrogen to prevent excessive shoot growth, as this can lead to weak plants that are more susceptible to disease and pest infestations.
Pruning
Paspalum densum Poir. is a low-maintenance plant and doesn't require regular pruning. However, it's a good practice to remove any dead or damaged blades from the plant and to cut back the plant by one-third or one-half in late winter or early spring. This encourages vigorous growth and helps to keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation of Paspalum densum Poir.
Paspalum densum Poir. can be propagated using both sexual and asexual methods. The plant produces fertile seeds that can be sown and grown into new plants. It can also be propagated vegetatively through stolons and rhizomes.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Paspalum densum Poir. can either be sown directly in the field or grown in nurseries. The seeds need to be collected from mature plants and cleaned to remove any debris or non-seed materials. Once collected and cleaned, the seeds can be sown in well-prepared soil under optimal conditions. Germination usually occurs within 7-21 days after sowing.
Vegatative propagation
Paspalum densum Poir. can be easily propagated vegetatively through stolons and rhizomes. Stolons are above-ground horizontal stems that produce new plants at nodes, while rhizomes are underground stems that produce new plants from buds or nodes. Propagation through stolons involves simply allowing a stolon to root in the soil, while propagation through rhizomes involves separating a rhizome from the parent plant and planting it in a new location.
Vegetative propagation is usually preferred over seed propagation because it ensures that the new plants will be true to type. In addition, it allows for the rapid multiplication of desirable cultivars.
Disease and Pest Management for Paspalum densum Poir.
Paspalum densum Poir., commonly known as tangled paspalum, is a warm-season perennial grass that grows well in moist areas. To maintain healthy stands of this grass, it's essential to manage pests and diseases effectively. Here are some of the common diseases and pests affecting tangled paspalum and ways you can manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common disease affecting paspalum grasses, including tangled paspalum. The symptoms include small, tan or brown spots that appear on the leaf blades. These spots may expand and merge, leading to the yellowing and death of leaves. To manage this disease, you can apply fungicides containing azoxystrobin, tebuconazole, or trifloxystrobin. Ensure you follow label instructions when applying fungicides.
Rust: Paspalum rust is caused by Puccinia paspali, a fungal pathogen. The symptoms of rust include the yellow or orange-colored pustules that appear on the leaves, sheaths, and stems of the grass. Infected leaves may die and fall off, leading to patchy growth. To manage rust disease, you need to apply fungicides such as myclobutanil, propiconazole, or triadimefon. You can also reduce the incidence of rust by maintaining good turf health through appropriate fertilization, mowing, and irrigation practices.
Pests
Mole crickets: These are underground pests that feed on the roots and stems of paspalum grasses, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and thinning. To manage mole crickets, you can apply insecticides containing bifenthrin, carbaryl, or imidacloprid. Ensure you follow label instructions when applying insecticides.
Sod webworms: These are lawn pests that feed on the leaves and stems of turfgrass, including paspalum. The signs of infestation include brown patches, ragged turf, and the presence of small, green caterpillars. To manage sod webworms, you can use insecticides such as bifenthrin, carbaryl, or spinosad. You can also reduce the incidence of sod webworms by maintaining healthy turf through appropriate fertilization, mowing, and irrigation practices.
By properly managing the pests and diseases that affect Paspalum densum Poir., you can ensure a healthy and robust stand of this grass, leading to better performance and increased longevity.
