Overview
Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. is a perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to the Arctic, including eastern Siberia, Alaska, and Canada.Common Names
The common names of Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. include smooth-awned arctic bluegrass and glabrous-flowered bluegrass.Appearance
The plant has a tufted growth habit and can grow up to 6-12 cm in height. The leaves are narrow, flat, and can grow up to 5 cm in length. The inflorescence consists of many small spikelets, measuring around 3-5 mm long, which give the plant a delicate and elegant look. The flowers are pale to dark purple in color and bloom from June to August.Uses
Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. has been used by indigenous people for centuries in traditional medicine. It has been used to alleviate stomach and respiratory ailments. The grass is also used for fodder for grazing animals. Furthermore, it improves seed germination and root growth of various crops. In recent years, there has been interest in its potential use in soil stabilization in Arctic regions.Light Requirements:
Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate bright light and direct sunlight, but it can also grow in areas with less sunlight. However, if the plant is grown in a location with too much shade, it may become leggy and weak. Therefore, it is recommended to provide the plant with moderate sunlight exposure for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature for the growth of Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. is cool to cold. The plant is adapted to grow in areas where the temperature remains low for a significant portion of the year. The plant can survive temperatures as low as -20°C and can grow in areas with an average temperature range of -2°C to 10°C. The plant may not survive in areas with extended periods of hot weather, and if the temperature rises above 10°C, the plant may stop growing.
Soil Requirements:
Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. prefers moist, well-drained soils. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy soil, loamy soil, and clay soil, as long as it is well-drained. The soil should have a pH range between 5 and 7.5 for optimal growth. The plant is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils and can survive in areas where other plants cannot thrive. However, for the best growth, it is recommended to provide the plant with rich, fertile soil.
Cultivation Methods
Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. is best grown in a cold environment and prefers well-draining soil. It thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It's recommended to start the seeds indoors in late winter and then transplant them outdoors in spring. The ideal temperature for germination is around 5°C, and the seedlings should be transplanted when they reach a height of 5-10 cm.
Watering Needs
It's crucial to keep the soil moist but not saturated. They require a regular watering schedule, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. The plant requires an adequate supply of water to maintain its green leaves, and any lack of water could cause the plant to wilt.
Fertilization
It's recommended to fertilize Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. every four weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer. Fertilizing can help the plant maintain its color and growth rate. However, it's best to avoid over-feeding the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning
Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. typically doesn't require pruning, but deadheading during the blooming season will help encourage more flower production. It's also essential to remove any yellow or brown leaves to keep the plant healthy and prevent the spread of diseases. If the plant becomes too leggy, pruning it back by one-third can help rejuvenate it.
Propagation of Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh.
Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. is a high elevation grass species that is native to the arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. It is commonly known as Arctic bluegrass and is a popular choice for re-vegetation projects in cold environments. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. is through seed propagation. The seeds of this plant can be collected from its inflorescence. The best time to collect the seeds is in late summer or early fall, before the seeds disperse. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted.
Before planting, the seeds should be cold stratified for at least four weeks to help break seed dormancy. This can be done by placing the seeds in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel and storing them in the refrigerator. After cold stratification, the seeds can be sown in a seed tray or directly in the field. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. can also be propagated through vegetative propagation. This method involves using plant parts such as shoots, roots, or leaves to grow new plants. Vegetative propagation is useful for preserving genetic characteristics of a specific plant.
One common method of vegetative propagation for grasses is through root division. The plant's roots can be divided into several sections, each with a shoot and a root system. These sections can then be planted in a new location where they will grow into new plants. This method is often used for restoring damaged areas in natural grasslands or for maintaining and preserving unique plant genetic material.
Disease and Pest Management for Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh.
Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. is a resilient plant that is able to withstand harsh growing conditions. However, it is not entirely immune to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and possible ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Fusarium patch: This disease causes yellow or brown patches on the leaves of the plant, which eventually turn into dead patches. To manage this disease, ensure proper irrigation and drainage of the soil and avoid over-fertilization. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Red thread: This disease causes pink or red thread-like structures on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by ensuring proper irrigation and drainage of the soil. Nitrogen fertilizers can also help to improve the plant's resistance to the disease.
Crown rust: This disease causes orange or brown pustules on the leaves of the plant. It can be prevented by planting resistant cultivars and avoiding overhead irrigation.
Common Pests
Billbugs: These insects damage the plant by feeding on the stem and leaves, causing irregular patches of dead turf. They can be managed by using insecticides and ensuring proper irrigation and drainage of the soil.
Annual bluegrass weevil: This pest feeds on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing yellow or brown patches. It can be managed by using insecticides and planting resistant cultivars.
Cutworms: These pests cut the stem of the plant at the soil level, causing wilting and death of the plant. They can be managed by using insecticides and ensuring proper irrigation and drainage of the soil.
Overall, monitoring the health of Poa arctica R. Br. var. glabriflora Rosh. regularly can help to detect diseases and pests early and prevent their spread. Implementing proper cultural practices like pruning, composting, and watering can also enhance the plant's resilience to diseases and pests.
