Overview of Poa bigelovii Vasey & Scribn.
Poa bigelovii, commonly known as Bigelow's bluegrass or alkali bluegrass, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to western North America, particularly in the Great Basin and Mojave deserts of California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
General appearance of Poa bigelovii Vasey & Scribn.
The plant typically grows up to 60 cm tall and forms dense tufts. Its leaves are bluish-green, narrow, and taper toward the tip, and the leaf margins are rolled inward. The inflorescence is a narrow panicle, and the branches are four to ten cm long. The spikelets are 5-7 mm long and have short awns.
Uses of Poa bigelovii Vasey & Scribn.
Poa bigelovii has several uses, particularly for reclamation and restoration projects. The plant is well-adapted to harsh environments, which makes it suitable for the revegetation of disturbed sites, including mine spoil areas, highway cuts, and abandoned farmlands. It is also an excellent forage plant for livestock, particularly during the winter season when other forage plants are scarce. In addition, the plant has some medicinal values, including the treatment of fever, sore throat, and digestive disorders.
Overall, Poa bigelovii is a valuable plant that plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of its native habitat while providing various benefits to humans and animals alike.
hereLight Requirements
Poa bigelovii thrives in areas with full sun exposure. It requires an average of 6 hours of direct sunlight exposure on a daily basis to flourish. Areas that have less than 6 hours of sunlight exposure will result in stunted growth. The plant can withstand partial shade, but continued exposure to shaded areas can reduce its overall growth and success.
Temperature Requirements
The plant species adapts well to temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. It cannot withstand frost or temperatures that fall below 0°C. Poa bigelovii has been found to survive in hot and dry conditions. This is because the plant adapts well to low humidity, high temperatures, and dry conditions found in desert environments.
Soil Requirements
Poa bigelovii prefers soils that are well-drained, have neutral to alkaline pH, and contain high amounts of organic matter. The plant can tolerate salt in the soil and is highly adapted to soils with low water holding capacities. The species has been found to thrive in sandy or gravelly soils, which are found in arid and semi-arid regions. In areas where soil moisture is adequate, the plants' root system is often found up to 15 cm deep.
Cultivation
Pao bigelovii Vasey & Scribn. is a hardy plant that grows well in various soil types, including clay and loam. The plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate some shade.
When planting, ensure a spacing of about six inches between seedlings and keep the soil moist until the roots take hold. The ideal temperature for seed germination is between 55°F and 70°F. You can expect to see sprouts within two to four weeks.
Watering needs
The plant's water needs depend on the growing conditions. During hot weather, water the plants frequently to keep the soil moist. However, avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
To determine when to water, stick your finger an inch into the soil to see if it's dry. If it is, then water the plants.
Fertilization
Poa bigelovii Vasey & Scribn. requires regular fertilization to grow well. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plants every four weeks, starting from four weeks after planting.
Avoid overfeeding the plants, as this can cause excessive growth and lead to weak and spindly stems.
Pruning
Poa bigelovii Vasey & Scribn. does not require significant pruning. However, if the plant develops dead or diseased stems, prune them immediately.
You can also prune the plants lightly after flowering to encourage bushier growth and maintain the plant's attractive shape.
Propagation of Poa bigelovii Vasey & Scribn.
Poa bigelovii Vasey & Scribn., commonly known as Bigelow bluegrass, is a native California plant that is mainly propagated through seed. The following are the plant's propagation methods:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used for Poa bigelovii. The seeds are typically collected during the summer months from mature plants, and then sown in the fall. The seeds may be sown directly in the field or in flats in the greenhouse. If sowing directly in the field, you should prepare the soil by removing any weeds and then working in organic matter. The seeds should be broadcasted at a rate of about 1-2 pounds per acre and then lightly covered with soil. Water the area well and keep it moist until the seeds have germinated.
To sow the seeds in flats, it's recommended to use a well-draining soil mix. Sow the seeds on top of the soil and then lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the flats in a warm, well-lit area and keep the soil evenly moist. Once the seeds have germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted to the field when they have reached a suitable size.
Poa bigelovii can also be propagated through division, but this method is not recommended as it can damage the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Poa bigelovii Vasey & Scribn.
Poa bigelovii Vasey & Scribn. commonly known as Bigelow's bluegrass, is native to western North America, predominantly found in arid regions. Although this plant is moderately resistant to pests and diseases, it can still be affected by some of them. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that might affect Poa bigelovii and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fusarium patch: Fusarium patch is a fungal disease that can affect Poa bigelovii and result in yellow-brown patches on the leaves. The patches may grow up to 12 inches in diameter. To avoid this disease, proper watering techniques, adequate fertilization, and the use of disease-resistant cultivars can be helpful. If the disease appears, you should apply a fungicide to control its spread.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that can affect Poa bigelovii, appearing as small, water-soaked lesions on the leaves, often surrounded by a yellow halo. Pruning the infected leaf tissues and removing plant debris from the soil, avoiding overhead irrigation and minimizing leaf wetness can be effective in controlling leaf spot. Fungicides application can also be helpful.
Pests
Cutworms: Cutworms can pose a significant threat to Poa bigelovii, cutting off the plant stems at the soil surface. To avoid cutworms, you should control weeds that might serve as their habitat and have baits applied around the plant base. You can also use parasitic nematodes and Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki bacteria for biological control of cutworms.
Sod webworms: Sod webworms are another pest that can affect Poa bigelovii. The larvae of Sod webworms feed on the turfgrass foliage and stems, resulting in irregular brown patches. Proper irrigation, mowing, and fertilization of the plant can reduce the damage caused by sod webworms. Biological and chemical control methods include the use of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki and synthetic insecticides.
By implementing proper cultural practices and applying appropriate insecticides and fungicides when necessary, growers can keep Poa bigelovii healthy and disease-free.
