Origin
Paspalum molle Poir. is a perennial plant native to South America, specifically Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as soft paspalum, marsh grass, or brookgrass.
Uses
Paspalum molle Poir. is commonly used as a forage crop for livestock, particularly in temperate climates. It has also been found to have medicinal properties and can be used to treat inflammation and infections. The plant has been studied for its potential use in the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils, as it has been found to have a high tolerance for such soils.
General Appearance
Paspalum molle Poir. is a creeping grass that can grow up to 50 centimeters in height. It has a shallow root system and can form dense mats in wetland areas. The leaves are flat and can range in color from green to reddish-brown. The flowers are small and inconspicuous and are usually found in clusters along the stem. The seeds are produced within small capsule-like structures.
Growth conditions of Paspalum molle Poir.
Paspalum molle Poir. is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is commonly found in tropical, semi-tropical and warm temperate regions of North, Central and South America. The grass has a dense, tufted growth habit and typically grows to a height of about 40-70 cm.
Light Requirements
Paspalum molle Poir. is a full-sun plant, which means that it requires direct sunlight for at least six hours a day to grow and thrive. In areas where there is excessive shade, the grass is likely to develop weak stems, lower foliage density and reduced overall growth. Therefore, it is suitable for growing in open fields or areas with relatively low tree density that allows for maximum exposure to sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The grass has a high tolerance to a wide range of temperatures. It can grow well in both warm and cool temperate regions. However, the optimum growth temperature range is between 20°C and 30°C. In regions with extremely high temperatures or frost, the grass may experience stunted growth or even die off.
Soil Requirements
Paspalum molle Poir. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil must be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7. In addition, the grass is tolerant to saline soils, making it suitable for growth in coastal areas. However, it cannot grow in waterlogged or poorly drained soils, which may result in root rot and eventual death.
In summary, Paspalum molle Poir. thrives under full-sun conditions, favorable temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, and well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. These growth conditions are crucial for optimal growth and productivity of the grass.
Cultivation Methods
Paspalum molle Poir., commonly referred to as velvet grass, can be grown from both seeds and vegetative means like stolon. For seed germination, the soil must be moist, with the seedlings receiving adequate levels of sunlight and warmth. The plants require a minimum temperature of 15°C to thrive, thus suitable for warm climates. After establishing the plants in the field, maintaining adequate spacing is vital in preventing competition for nutrients, light, and water.
Watering Needs
Velvet grass requires sufficient water to grow and develop, especially during the establishment phase. Always water the plants immediately after planting to allow for root establishment. The plants need at least two inches of water every week. Ensure proper drainage in the planting area to prevent the plants from sitting in water for extended periods, leading to root rot.
Fertilization
Paspalum molle Poir. requires regular feeding to ensure good growth. Fertilization should begin 4-6 weeks after planting and repeated after every six weeks. The recommended fertilizer contains potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus in a ratio of 2:1:1. Apply a total of four pounds of fertilizer for every 1000 square feet of grass. If the soil is deficient in any nutrients, apply a complete fertilizer with a 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning
Velvet grass requires constant pruning to maintain its aesthetic value and prevent the plants from growing out of control. The pruning frequency mainly depends on the grass's growth rate and the desired height. When pruning, ensure you do not remove more than one-third of the grass's blade length. Do not mow the grass when it's too short as it may suffer from stress, affecting its overall health. Prune the grass as soon as it starts to flower to promote new growth and thicker foliage.
Propagation of Paspalum molle Poir.:
Paspalum molle Poir. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. While sexual propagation involves the use of seeds, asexual propagation can be achieved through vegetative means.
Seed Propagation:
Seeds of Paspalum molle Poir. can be sown in prepared seedbeds during spring when soil temperature is around 70°F. The seeds should be evenly spread out on the seedbed, covered with soil, and kept moist. Seedlings will begin to emerge after a week and can be transplanted to a permanent location once they reach a suitable size. It is important to note that not all seeds will germinate, and germination rates tend to be low.
Vegatative Propagation:
Paspalum molle Poir. can also be propagated asexually through vegetative means such as stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken during the growing season and planted in moist soil or sand. The cuttings should be approximately 3 inches long and inserted halfway into the soil, with at least one node below the surface. The cuttings should be kept moist until they begin to form roots and can be transplanted to a permanent location once they have established roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Paspalum molle Poir.
Paspalum molle, commonly known as canarygrass, is a hardy plant that is resistant to many diseases and pests. However, there are still some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant. Here are some ways to manage them:
Common Diseases:
Fungal Diseases: There are several fungal diseases that may affect Paspalum molle, including rust, anthracnose, and dollar spot. Rust appears as orange or rust-colored spots on the leaves, while anthracnose causes brown or black spots. Dollar spot causes small, circular patches of dead grass. To manage fungal diseases, proper lawn care practices such as proper watering, mowing, and fertilization are necessary. Fungicides may also be used in severe cases.
Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight is caused by the Xanthomonas bacteria and appears as blighted areas on leaves, stems, and seed heads. This disease spreads rapidly in wet and warm conditions. To manage bacterial blight, infected areas should be removed, and fungicides may be used to prevent further infections.
Common Pests:
Chinch Bugs: Chinch bugs are the most common pests that may affect Paspalum molle. These small, black and white pests cause damage by sucking the sap of the plant. Infected areas appear yellowish and may turn brown. To manage chinch bugs, insecticides may be used. However, it is important to identify the pests correctly before using any chemical treatments.
Sod Webworms: Sod webworms are another pest that may cause damage to Paspalum molle. These larvae eat the grass blades, causing yellow or brown patches in the lawn. To manage sod webworms, insecticides may be used.
Paying attention to the signs and symptoms of diseases and pests can help you identify the problems early. Early identification is key to effective management. By using a combination of proper lawn care practices and chemical treatments, Paspalum molle can be kept healthy and lush.
