Description of Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara (Malmgr.) Boivin
Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara (Malmgr.) Boivin is a subspecies of the Poa pratensis grass species, belonging to the Poaceae family. It is native to Europe and North America and is commonly known by several names including viviparous bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and smooth-stalked meadowgrass.
General Appearance
The Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara (Malmgr.) Boivin plant is a perennial cool-season grass that grows in clusters, forming tufts of erect leaves. It can grow up to 60 cm tall and has a shallow root system. The leaves are flat and slender, measuring about 1-4 mm wide. The plant produces seedheads that are open, loose, and branched, measuring up to 20 cm long.
Uses
In agriculture, Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara (Malmgr.) Boivin is commonly used for forage and turf. It is highly valued for its early spring growth, drought tolerance, and ability to resist heavy foot traffic. It is also used for revegetation of disturbed areas and soil stabilization.
In traditional medicine, extracts of Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara (Malmgr.) Boivin have been used as diuretics, antiseptics, and wound healers. The plant is also used as a source of food by grazing animals such as cows and horses.
hereLight Requirements
Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara (Malmgr.) Boivin prefers full sun to partial shade as it is a cool-season grass species. Full sun promotes optimal growth and yields while partial shade will lead to tall and thin plants.
Temperature Requirements
The var. vivipara subspecies grows well in areas with average daytime temperatures ranging between 15°C to 24°C. It can tolerate temperatures between -15°C to 35°C. The plant usually goes dormant during the hot summer months and will remain inactive until temperatures drop during the colder months.
Soil Requirements
This plant requires well-draining soils with plenty of organic matter and nutrients. It grows well in loamy, sandy, or clay soils and prefers a slightly acidic soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. Adequate soil moisture is important for optimal growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara (Malmgr.) Boivin is a hardy plant that can grow in USDA zones 3 to 9. It prefers a well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and full sun exposure. The plant can adapt to various soil types such as clay, loam, and sandy soils.
Propagation can be achieved through seed or vegetative means. The seeds should be sown in the spring or early fall and covered with a thin layer of soil. The plant can also be propagated through division, taking care to ensure that each division contains a good root system.
Watering Needs
The plant requires a moderate amount of water to thrive. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil type. In dry climates, the plant may require regular watering, while in wetter climates, less frequent watering may be necessary.
It is advisable to water the plant early in the morning to avoid water evaporation from the sun's heat. Additionally, avoid watering from above, as this can lead to fungal growth. Instead, water the soil directly at the base of the plant.
Fertilization
Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara (Malmgr.) Boivin requires regular fertilization to ensure optimal growth and health. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or higher can be used. Fertilization can be done once or twice a year, depending on the plant's growth rate and soil quality.
It is important to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and weaken the plant's root system. Additionally, apply the fertilizer evenly around the plant base and water it well to encourage absorption.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to keep the plant healthy and promote vigorous growth. The plant can be pruned in the early spring or fall, taking care to remove any dead or diseased leaves, stems, or flowers.
To encourage dense growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy, trim the plant's height by cutting it back to half its length. Additionally, prune the plant to limit its spread and prevent it from encroaching on other plants or areas of the garden.
Propagation of Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara
Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara, also known as viviparous bluegrass, is a perennial grass species that reproduces through seeds, tillers, and bulbils. Here are some of the common methods of propagating viviparous bluegrass:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara is through seed propagation. Collect the mature seeds (when they have turned brown) during the late summer after the seeds have matured. Plant the seeds in a well-drained soil with good moisture retention capacity. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1/8-1/4 inches. To hasten germination, scarify the seeds lightly before planting.
Tiller Propagation
Another method of propagating viviparous bluegrass is through tillers. A tiller is an offshoot or shoot that develops from the base of the parent plant. Lift up mature parent plants from the ground and divide the plant into pieces (clumps) by breaking apart the mass of roots. Ensure that each division has a good amount of roots and shoots. Plant each clump separately in well-drained soil.
Bulbil Propagation
Bulbils are small, bulb-like structures that develop at the base of the plant. Multiple bulbils may develop per plant, and each one can produce a new plant. To propagate through bulbils, separate them from the parent plant and plant them in well-drained soil. Ensure that the bulbs have ample roots, and remove any dead or soft segments before planting.
Overall, Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara can be propagated through multiple methods. However, seed propagation is the most common and easiest procedure to follow. Tillers and bulbils may take some time to establish, but still serve as great options to increase the number of plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara (Malmgr.) Boivin
Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara (Malmgr.) Boivin, also known as viviparous bluegrass, is an important forage grass that is grown widely across the world. While this grass is resilient to many environmental factors, diseases and pests can pose a serious threat to its growth and health. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect this plant and methods for managing them.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that could affect Poa pratensis is dollar spot. Dollar spot is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia homoeocarpa and can cause the turf to develop small brown spots. To manage this disease, it is important to reduce watering and maintain adequate fertilization to minimize the plant's stress. Additionally, homeowners can use fungicides to manage the disease.
Leaf rust is another common disease that can affect Poa pratensis. The disease is caused by the fungus Puccinia spp, which creates reddish-brown spots on leaves. To manage leaf rust, it is important to aerate the soil, remove thatch, and maintain good irrigation practices. Fungicides can also be applied to minimize the incidence of leaf rust.
Common Pests
Billbugs and Sod Webworms are two common pests that can affect Poa pratensis. Billbugs can damage young plants, while Sod Webworm can cause damage to established plants. To manage these pests, it is important to maintain adequate irrigation, particularly during hot, dry weather, and monitor for early detection. Homeowners can also use insecticides and cultural practices to manage these pests.
In conclusion, Poa pratensis L. var. vivipara (Malmgr.) Boivin is a widely cultivated plant that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Good management practices, such as aerating the soil, reducing watering, and applying fungicides or insecticides, can help to control diseases and pests and promote healthy plant growth.
