Overview
Paspalum millegrana Schrad. is a species of grass known by several common names, including hundred-seed Paspalum, millet Paspalum, and nutgrass. This plant is native to Africa but has since been introduced to several parts of the world, including the Americas.
General Appearance
The hundred-seed Paspalum grows in tufts that can reach up to 90 centimeters in height. The leaves are flat and have a sharp tip, with a prominent midrib and small hairs on the underside. The spikes of the plant are densely packed and form finger-like structures, each containing up to 100 seeds, enclosed in a lemma with stiff hairs on the margin.
Uses
Paspalum millegrana Schrad. has a variety of uses and benefits. In Africa, it is often used as a forage plant for livestock and also grown for its edible seed. In some cultures, it is used as traditional medicine to treat sore throats, coughs, and diarrhea. The plant is also used for landscaping and erosion control in areas with poor soil quality.
In addition, Paspalum millegrana Schrad. has been found to be resistant to certain herbicides and is being studied as a potential crop in weed control. Its high seed production and rapid growth make it an attractive alternative to other grasses used in lawn establishment and recovery.
Cultivation
Paspalum millegrana Schrad. prefers moist and wet soils, making it an ideal species for use in wetland restoration. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. The plant is propagated through its seed, which can be collected by mechanical harvesting or handpicking. Under optimal growing conditions, the plant can produce up to 45,000 seeds per square meter.
Care should be taken when handling Paspalum millegrana Schrad. as the plant can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems in some individuals. Additionally, it can be invasive and outcompete native vegetation in some areas.
hereLight Requirements
Paspalum millegrana Schrad. is a plant that thrives under full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow optimally. However, if the plant is grown indoors, it can be supplemented with fluorescent lights to provide enough light for its growth.
Temperature Requirements
Paspalum millegrana Schrad. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The optimal temperature for growth and development is between 20°C and 30°C. It is important to note that the plant cannot withstand frost or extreme temperatures below 10°C or above 38°C.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Paspalum millegrana Schrad. is well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, it is important to note that waterlogged soils should be avoided as they can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation of Paspalum millegrana Schrad.
Paspalum millegrana Schrad. is a warm-season grass that can thrive in tropical, sub-tropical, or Mediterranean climates. The grass can grow up to 50-70 cm in height with a fine texture. Cultivating this plant requires careful consideration of factors relating to temperature, soil type, and the seedbed.
Watering Needs of Paspalum millegrana Schrad.
Water is essential for the growth and development of Paspalum millegrana Schrad. The period of irrigation must be during the morning and afternoon to reduce water stress on the plant. The grass generally requires regular watering until it is established and may need irrigation every few days in hot weather or drought conditions.
Fertilization of Paspalum millegrana Schrad.
Even though Paspalum millegrana Schrad. can grow without fertilizer, it's recommended to fertilize the plant for better growth and development. Add nitrogen to promote leaf and stem growth. Adding phosphorus will help encourage rooting, and adding potassium will improve stress tolerance. Apply fertilizers at a rate recommended by the supplier, typically a few times per year.
Pruning of Paspalum millegrana Schrad.
Pruning helps to maintain the growth and improve the quality of Paspalum millegrana Schrad. Prune the grass to a height of about 20-30 cm when it has grown to about 40-50 cm. Pruning should be done during the early morning or late with a sharp lawn mower blade to avoid affecting the grass's growth. While pruning, it's recommended to avoid removing more than a third of the total plant height in one fell swoop.
Propagation of Paspalum millegrana Schrad.
Paspalum millegrana Schrad. is a warm-season grass that is usually propagated vegetatively. There are several methods of propagating this plant, including stolons, plugs, and sod. These methods ensure that the plant maintains its genetic makeup.
Stolons
Stolons are the most popular means of propagating Paspalum millegrana Schrad. This plant produces stolons which are horizontal aboveground stems that develop from the base of the mother plant. They form roots and new plants at the internodes. For propagation, healthy stolons with several nodes can be cut and planted directly onto a prepared seedbed or substrate where it develops new roots and plantlets. The new plantlets can then be transplanted to the desired field when mature enough.
Plugs
Another way to propagate Paspalum millegrana Schrad. is by plugs. This method involves planting individual clumps of P. millegrana in a tray filled with a moist substrate. The clumps are then transplanted to the field after they show roots and healthy growth.
Sod
Sod is another method that can be used to propagate Paspalum millegrana Schrad. It involves planting large pieces of turfgrass with the underlying soil adhered to it. The sod can be harvested from an established field or greenhouse for use in a new location where it will form a new stand. The planting can be done by hand or machine after preparation of the field soil to accommodate the sod.
Whatever method of propagation is used, it is important to ensure that the soil is moist, and the newly established plants are watered regularly until they have developed new roots and normal growth.
Disease Management
Paspalum millegrana Schrad. is susceptible to a variety of diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Brown patch: This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It causes circular patches of brown grass that can grow up to a few feet in diameter. To manage brown patch, keep the lawn well-drained, avoid watering during the night, and treat with fungicide as needed.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects the blades of grass. It causes circular spots with brown or purple borders and tan centers. To manage leaf spot, maintain proper lawn care practices, improve air circulation, and treat with fungicide as needed.
- Pythium blight: This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that thrives in hot and humid conditions. It causes circular patches of brown or yellow grass that can quickly spread across the lawn. To manage Pythium blight, water the lawn early in the day, mow frequently, and treat with fungicide as needed.
Pest Management
Paspalum millegrana Schrad. is also vulnerable to attacks by various pests. Some of the common pests that can affect this plant include:
- White grubs: White grubs are the larvae of beetles that feed on the roots of grass. They can cause severe damage by disrupting the root system and causing the grass to wilt and die. To manage white grubs, apply insecticide in early spring or fall when the larvae are active.
- Chinch bugs: Chinch bugs are tiny insects that live in the thatch layer of the lawn. They feed on the sap of grass, causing it to turn yellow and die. To manage chinch bugs, maintain a healthy lawn with proper watering and fertilization, and apply insecticide as needed.
- Sod webworms: Sod webworms are the larvae of moths that feed on the grass blades. They can cause significant damage by creating small brown patches on the lawn. To manage sod webworms, apply insecticide in early summer when the larvae are active.
Overall, the key to preventing and managing diseases and pests in Paspalum millegrana Schrad. is to maintain proper lawn care practices. This includes regular watering and fertilization, proper mowing height, and improving air circulation. If you notice any signs of disease or pest infestation, act quickly to prevent further damage to your lawn.
