Origin of Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi
Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi, commonly known as Saura Paspalum, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to South America, particularly to Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay, but has also been introduced in other parts of the world.Common Names of Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi
Aside from Saura Paspalum, Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi is also known by several other common names, depending on the region. Some of these names are carona, capincha, capim-de-caboclo, and zoysia.Uses of Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi
Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi has several uses, particularly in agriculture and landscaping. It is commonly used as a forage grass for livestock, particularly for grazing and hay production. It is also used as a turfgrass for lawns and golf courses, as it is drought-tolerant and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Aside from these uses, Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi has also been traditionally used in herbal medicine, particularly for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It has been used to treat several conditions, such as fever, headaches, and menstrual cramps.General Appearance of Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi
Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi is a low-growing grass species that usually grows up to 30 to 80 cm tall. Its leaves are rolled, flat, and relatively narrow, measuring around 5 to 35 cm long and 2 to 5 mm wide. The leaf sheath and blade are both glabrous, with the former being longer than the latter. The inflorescence of Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi is a panicle, measuring around 6 to 20 cm long. It is characterized by many branches that bear spikelets, which are small flowers that are arranged alternately along the branches. The spikelets are usually green or purplish, measuring around 2 to 3 mm long and 1 to 1.5 mm wide. The fruit is a caryopsis, which is a dry, one-seeded fruit that is enclosed by a hard, protective layer.Light Requirements
Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi is a warm-season perennial grass that thrives under full sunlight exposure. It needs a minimum of 6 hours direct sunlight daily, preferably in the morning and afternoon, for optimal growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The typical growth temperature range for Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi is between 25°C and 35°C. This plant is intolerant to frost and may not survive below temperatures of 5°C. Therefore, it is best planted in areas with a tropical climate that is hot and humid.
Soil Requirements
Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi grows best in well-drained soils with pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be free from salinity and compaction, as these can hinder root development and nutrient absorption. The addition of organic matter can help increase soil fertility and improve soil moisture-holding capacity, which is beneficial for the growth of this grass. Regular irrigation is also necessary to maintain the soil moisture levels required to support the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi, commonly known as Bahiagrass, is a warm-season perennial grass that is planted through seeds or sods. The ideal time to plant seeds or sods is during late spring or early summer since the soil temperatures range between 65 to 70°F. Bahiagrass prefers soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 and requires well-draining soil. Plant them around ¼ inches deep into the soil and space the seeds or sods six inches apart.
Watering Needs
Watering Bahiagrass plants is necessary to maintain healthy growth. During its initial growth phase, it is crucial to water the plants more frequently until they are well established. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Bahiagrass requires at least 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Refrain from watering the plants with standing water or in the late afternoons.
Fertilization
Applying fertilizers to Bahiagrass is crucial to maintain the plants' health and promote growth. Fertilize the soil before planting seeds or sods, and then apply additional fertilizers six inches away from the plant's base after they are well established. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer four to six times per growing season, ensuring to follow the recommended dosages for the grass type and soil needs.
Pruning
Bahiagrass is a low maintenance plant that typically does not require pruning as it naturally grows to a height of 8 to 10 inches. However, it may require mowing when the leaves and stems reach a height of approximately 4 inches. Mow the grass to a height of 3 to 4 inches and, in areas with excessive weeds or thatch, prune more frequently. Avoid mowing too short, which may damage the plants and promote disease or weed infestation.
Propagation of Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi
Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi, commonly known as Saura's paspalum, is a C4 warm-season grass species that is predominantly found in South America. It is commonly used as a forage grass and is propagated to meet the demands of the livestock industry.
Seed Propagation
The primary method of propagating Saura's paspalum is through seed propagation. The seeds of this grass are readily available and can be sown directly into the soil. The ideal time for sowing the seeds is during spring or summer when the soil temperature is above 20°C (68°F) and the moisture content is adequate.
Before sowing, the seeds should be cleaned to remove any debris or chaff. The soil should be prepared by removing any weeds and debris, and it should be tilled and leveled. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 0.5 to 1 cm (1/4 to 1/2 inch) and covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 7-14 days.
Vegetative Propagation
Saura's paspalum can also be propagated vegetatively. This method is usually employed when seed is not available or when clonal populations are desired. Two common methods of vegetative propagation are stolon and sprig propagation.
Stolon Propagation: In stolon propagation, the horizontal stems, or stolons, that grow from the mother plant are cut into small pieces and planted directly into the soil. The stolons should be taken from healthy plants with adequate vigor and disease-free. They should be planted at regular intervals of around 30-40 cm (12-16 inches). The soil should be kept moist until the stolons root and form new plants.
Sprig Propagation: In sprig propagation, the stems of the mother plant are cut into small pieces, each containing at least one node or bud. These pieces are then planted directly into the soil. The soil should be kept moist until new shoots emerge from the planted pieces.
Both stolon and sprig propagation can be done during spring or summer when the soil temperature is above 20°C (68°F) and the moisture content is adequate.
Disease and Pest Management for Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi
Paspalum notatum Flueggé var. saurae Parodi, commonly known as Bahia grass, is a warm-season perennial grass that is widely used for forage and turfgrass. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Bahia grass and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Pythium Root Rot
Pythium root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Bahia grass and causes stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting. To manage this disease, planting Bahia grass in well-drained soil and avoiding over-watering can reduce the risk of infection. Applying fungicides such as metalaxyl or mefenoxam can also help control the disease.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that appears as rusty-orange spots on the blades of Bahia grass. It can cause the blades to turn yellow and eventually die. To manage rust, applying fungicides such as azoxystrobin or propiconazole can be effective. Maintaining adequate soil fertility and moisture levels can also help reduce the risk of infection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular, brown spots on the leaves of Bahia grass. These spots can merge and cause the leaves to turn brown and die. To manage leaf spot, avoiding overhead irrigation and maintaining proper soil fertility can reduce the risk of infection. Fungicides such as chlorothalonil or propiconazole can also be effective in controlling the disease.
Pests
Armyworms
Armyworms are common pests that feed on the leaves and stems of Bahia grass and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. To manage armyworms, applying insecticides such as carbaryl or esfenvalerate can be effective. Mowing Bahia grass regularly can also help control the population of armyworms.
Mole Crickets
Mole crickets are another common pest that can cause damage to the roots of Bahia grass. To manage mole crickets, applying insecticides such as bifenthrin or imidacloprid can be effective. Using cultural practices such as mowing at the proper height and reducing over-watering can also reduce the risk of infestation.
White Grubs
White grubs are the larvae of various scarab beetles and can cause significant damage to the roots of Bahia grass. To manage white grubs, applying insecticides such as halofenozide or imidacloprid can be effective. Maintaining adequate soil moisture levels and avoiding over-fertilization can also reduce the risk of infestation.
By following good cultural practices and using appropriate chemical controls, it is possible to manage many of the common diseases and pests that affect Bahia grass and ensure healthy growth and development of this important forage and turfgrass species.
