Overview
Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst. is a perennial grass native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. It is also commonly known as Spherical paspalum, Roundseed paspalum, and Coastal paspalum. This plant belongs to the Poaceae family, which includes some of the world's most important cereal crops like wheat, rice, and corn.
Appearance
Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst. is a small, tufted grass plant that can grow up to 30-80 cm in height. The leaves are narrow, up to 30 cm long and 5 mm wide, and have a sharp-pointed tip. The leaf sheaths are flattened, often hairy, and are pale green or purplish-red in color. The flowering stems are slender and upright, bearing one or two spathe-like inflorescences with five to nine spikelets. The spikelets are small, round, and contain many tiny flowers. The plant produces short, rounded seeds that measure about 1-2 mm in diameter and have a hard outer shell that is resistant to water.
Uses
Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst. is an important forage grass for grazing animals in many tropical and subtropical countries. It is also used as a turfgrass on golf courses and sports fields due to its ability to tolerate saline soils and grow well in sandy soil. In addition, this plant has been used for soil conservation and erosion control on coastal dunes and beaches. Its deep roots help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion from tidal waves and winds.
The seeds of Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst. also have medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments like fever and dysentery. The seeds are rich in oils and are also used for making soap, lubricants, and cosmetic products.
Light Requirements
Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst. is a warm-season grass that thrives in areas with high light intensity. It requires full sun exposure to grow and should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Limited light exposure can result in stunted growth and reduced biomass production.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst. is between 20°C and 30°C. At temperatures below 18°C, the growth of the plant slows down and may eventually cease. At temperatures above 35°C, the plant may experience heat stress, which can lead to wilting and leaf rolling. Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst. is adapted to grow in tropical and subtropical regions with average annual temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst. grows best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate acidic soils but may exhibit reduced growth in such conditions. Soil with high organic matter content and good fertility is favorable for the growth of Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst.. The plant is also resistant to soil salinity and can grow in soils with moderate salt concentration
Cultivation of Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst.
Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst, also known as Kekwai, is an ornamental grass that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is a slow-growing perennial that prefers well-drained soils. It can tolerate some short-term flooding but prolonged waterlogging can cause damage to the roots.
The best time to plant Paspalum orbiculare is during the spring or early summer when temperatures are warm. The grass can be grown from seed or sod. If you plant from seed, ensure they are covered with soil and watered regularly until they germinate, which takes around 4-6 weeks.
Watering Needs of Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst.
Paspalum orbiculare requires regular watering during the growing season. Water deeply at least once a week or more frequently if the soil surface is dry. Keep in mind that overwatering can cause root rot, which can damage or even kill the plant.
When watering, make sure to water early in the morning or early evening when temperatures are cooler and the sun is not as intense. Watering in the middle of the day can cause the water to evaporate quickly, reducing its effectiveness.
Fertilizing Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst.
Paspalum orbiculare requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Fertilize the grass with a balanced fertilizer containing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer three times per year, once in early spring, again in late spring, and once in early fall.
When applying the fertilizer, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth, reducing flowering, and overall plant vigor.
Pruning of Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst.
Paspalum orbiculare does not require frequent pruning, because it is a slow-growing variety. However, you should prune back old and dried leaves from the base to keep the plant looking tidy and attractive.
If the grass becomes overgrown, you can cut back its height and remove any dead or damaged foliage. Use sharp pruning shears and make sure to sanitize them before and after pruning to prevent the spread of disease.
Pruning should be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Avoid pruning during the dormant period, which occurs during winter, as this can cause stress and reduce plant vigor.
Propagation of Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst.
Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst., commonly known as 'Ringed paspalum,' is a warm-season, perennial grass native to Australia. It is commonly propagated by seeds, rhizomes, and stem cuttings.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst. can be sown directly in the soil during spring or early summer. The seeds need to be sown at a depth of approximately 1 to 2 cm and spaced at least 30 cm apart. It is essential to keep the soil well-watered during seed germination. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 10 cm, they can be transplanted to their final location.
Rhizome propagation
Rhizome propagation is another common method to propagate Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst. It involves the use of underground stems that spread out horizontally, producing new shoots and roots. Rhizomes can be collected, divided into pieces of no fewer than 3 cm, and planted in a well-prepared site. Rhizomes should be buried no more than 1 cm deep in the soil, and care should be taken not to damage any buds that are present. It is vital to keep the soil moist during the establishment phase.
Stem cutting propagation
Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the active growing season. Cuttings should be approximately 10 cm in length and should be planted in a well-draining soil mix, keeping the soil moist until rooting occurs. Rooting should be apparent in about two to three weeks after planting. Once rooting has occurred, the cuttings can be transplanted to their final location.
Disease and Pest Management of Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst.
Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst., commonly known as flatseed paspalum, is a warm-season perennial grass that is used for lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. To maintain the healthy growth and development of paspalum, it is necessary to manage the diseases and pests that may affect it. Let us discuss some of the common diseases and pests that may affect Paspalum orbiculare and the ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Dollar Spot: It is a fungal disease that appears as small, circular, straw-colored patches on the leaves, stems, and crowns of the plant. To manage dollar spot, it is necessary to apply fungicides, increase mowing frequency, maintain adequate nitrogen levels, and reduce thatch buildup.
2. Brown patch disease: This disease leads to circular patches that are brown and tan in color and can be several feet wide. To control this disease, you can use deeply irrigated, well-drained soil and avoid overfertilizing. Applying fungicides during warm and humid weather can also help.
3. Pythium blight: This fungal disease appears as small, straw-colored, irregularly shaped patches that can quickly expand to damage entire turf areas. To manage Pythium blight, it is necessary to maintain good soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and increase the surface drainage of areas that remain wet for long periods.
4. Leaf Spot: This disease causes small, red-brown spots on the leaves that can merge and form large irregularly shaped areas. It is necessary to apply fungicides during periods of high humidity and use disease-resistant varieties to manage this issue.
Pests
1. White grubs: These are the larvae of certain beetles that feed on the roots of turfgrass. To manage white grubs, apply insecticides at the appropriate time, maintain proper irrigation and fertilization techniques, and use nematodes or fungi that are natural predators of white grubs.
2. Sod webworm: These are the larvae of small tan or brown moths that can cause significant damage by feeding on the leaves and stems of turfgrass. To control sod webworm, apply insecticides at the appropriate time, reduce thatch buildup, and mow the grass at the right height.
3. Chinch bugs: These are small, black and white insects that suck the sap from grass plants, resulting in yellow and brown patches. To manage chinch bugs, apply insecticides at the appropriate time, mow the grass at the right height, and maintain proper irrigation and fertilization techniques.
In conclusion, to maintain the health and beauty of Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst., one must pay attention to the various diseases and pests that may affect it. Proper cultural practices, such as adequate irrigation, mowing, and fertilization, along with the timely application of fungicides and insecticides, are essential in managing these issues.
