Overview
Poa schliebenii Pilg. is a plant species belonging to the family Poaceae and is commonly known as Schlieben's meadow-grass. It is a herbaceous plant, typically found in the grasslands of eastern Africa.
General Appearance
The grass has short rhizomes and can grow to a height of up to 30 cm. The leaves are usually flat and narrow and have a bluish-green hue. The inflorescence consists of several 2-3 cm long spikes, which are green to purplish, and have several flowers with overlapping awns.
Origin
Poa schliebenii Pilg. is indigenous to the highlands of eastern Africa, specifically in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, where it grows in grasslands and damp areas. The grass species was named after the German botanist Victor Franz Schleiben.
Common names
The plant, Poa schliebenii Pilg., is commonly known as Schlieben's meadow-grass, thanks to its namer. In Kenya, it is known as "itsururio" in the Kikuyu language and "osilale" among the Maasai people.
Uses
Because of its resistance to drought, Poa schliebenii Pilg. is often used for livestock grazing and plays an essential role in the livelihoods of many pastoral communities in eastern Africa. Additionally, Schlieben's meadow-grass can act as erosion control vegetation, help stabilize slopes, and improve soil moisture retention.
Light requirements
Poa schliebenii Pilg. is a plant that prefers full sunlight, but can tolerate partial shade. In order to achieve its best growth, it should be planted in an area where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its growth is optimal when it is exposed to temperatures between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It can, however, tolerate higher temperatures and lower temperatures as well.
Soil requirements
The plant prefers rich, moist soils that are well-drained. It can grow in a variety of soil types ranging from alkaline to acidic, but it prefers soils that have a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. It grows more efficiently in soils that are regularly fertilized and has good levels of organic matter. It can tolerate drought conditions, but the growth is slower and weaker under such conditions.
Cultivation
When cultivating Poa schliebenii Pilg., it is essential to plant it in a location with partial to full sun and well-drained soil. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, gravelly, or clay soil. Planting can be carried out from seeds or sods, and it is advisable to plant during the spring growing season. The plant establishes itself in the first season, and it becomes fully established in the second year.
Watering Needs
Poa schliebenii Pilg requires moderate watering regularly. The plant is drought-resistant and can survive extended periods without water, but it performs better when adequately hydrated. Water should be applied at a rate of 1 inch of water per week on the established turf. However, during the hot season, supplemental watering may be required to maintain the plant's growth and health.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential for the growth and development of Poa schliebenii Pilg. It is advisable to conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient requirements and the soil's pH. Nitrogen is essential for sustaining the plant's growth, and it should be applied moderately to ensure optimal growth. Fertilizer application can be done every three months throughout the growing season.
Pruning
Poa schliebenii Pilg does not require regular pruning. However, periodic trimming of the tips of the plant can promote bushier growth. It is also important to remove any dead or discolored growth to maintain the plant's aesthetics. Pruning should be carried out during the growing season, and it should be done with sharp and clean tools to prevent damaging the plant.
Propagation Methods for Poa Schliebenii Pilg.
Poa schliebenii Pilg., commonly known as Schlieben's blue grass, is a small perennial herb belonging to the grass family Poaceae. Propagation of this plant can be done through four different methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used for mass planting. The seeds of this grass can be planted either directly into the soil or in containers. The best time for planting is during the cool months of fall or early spring. The soil for planting should be well-drained and moderately moist. The preferred depth for planting is shallow, about ¼ inch deep. Germination occurs in about 7-14 days, and seedlings are ready to transplant within 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is best suited for mature plants that have established a dense root system. This method involves dividing the clumps into smaller sections and replanting them in new locations. The best time to divide the plants is during the spring, after the last frost. When dividing plants, it is essential to ensure that each section has enough roots and stems to promote growth.
Vegitative Propagation
Vegitative propagation is a good choice when it is necessary to establish a new plant quickly. It involves using cuttings from young, healthy plants and planting them directly into the soil. Stem cuttings are taken from mid to late spring and should be about 6 inches long. The planted cuttings are covered with plastic bags to maintain humidity and prevent desiccation. New growth will appear within four to six weeks.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture propagation is a method that employs aseptic tissue culture techniques. The first step involves selecting the best plant material. Explants such as shoot tips are excised from this plant. These excised plant parts are then sterilized to kill any microorganisms present. The sterilized explants are then cultured on nutrient media supplemented with plant growth regulators. New plants develop from these cultures, which can be transplanted into the soil after rooting is complete.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that affect Poa schliebenii Pilg. is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that spreads quickly in humid conditions. It appears as a powdery white substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plants. To manage powdery mildew, it is advisable to remove and destroy the affected parts and apply fungicides such as copper-based ones. Similarly, gray leaf spot, which leads to irregular patches on the leaves, is also fungal and can be controlled in the same way.
Another disease that affects Poa schliebenii Pilg. is red thread. Red thread is a fungal disease that results in pink strands appearing on the leaves and leads to defoliation. It is controlled by improving the drainage of the soil, stimulating proper growth, and applying fungicides such as carbendazim.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Poa schliebenii Pilg. are aphids and mites. Aphids feed on the sap of the plant, leading to curling and yellowing of the leaves. They are managed by introducing their natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, or by using insecticides such as neem or insecticidal soap.
Mites, on the other hand, cause the leaves to dry, wither, and turn yellow. They are controlled by applying insecticidal soap or a neem-based insecticide. It is also advisable to maintain proper plant hygiene, including removing any dead plant material and keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
