Origin
Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. juncifolia (Scribn.) Soreng, commonly known as Sandberg bluegrass or junegrass, is a cool-season perennial plant native to North America.
Common Names
Other common names for Poa secunda include basin wildrye, arctic bluegrass, Nevada bluegrass, and alkali grass. Its use in native habitats has been highly valued since it provides an excellent source of forage for various herbivores.
Uses
Historically, Poa secunda was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. Its seeds have been used as a source of food and cereal crop. Additionally, it has also been used for soil stabilization and erosion control in various disturbed areas.
General Appearance
Poa secunda typically grows in tufts reaching between 10 and 18 inches in height. It has fine-textured blades that are 1/16 inch wide and up to 8 inches long. The leaves are typically green-gray in color, and the plant produces small green flowers in late spring to early summer. Poa secunda's general appearance is a fine, soft-textured blue-green clump that spreads by short rhizomes.
Light Requirements:
Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. juncifolia (Scribn.) Soreng typically grows in full sun to partial shade. In areas with intense sunlight, partial shade is preferred as it helps prevent the plant from drying out. However, in areas with milder temperatures, full sun can be tolerated.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant requires a cool and moist environment to grow. It thrives in areas with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15.6°C to 23.9°C). Higher temperatures can cause the plant to dry out, while colder temperatures may result in slow growth or dormancy. The plant is winter hardy and can tolerate freezing temperatures up to -20°F (-28.9°C).
Soil Requirements:
Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. juncifolia (Scribn.) Soreng prefers well-draining soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (5.8 to 7.5). The soil should also be rich in organic matter to provide the plant with necessary nutrients. The plant is drought-tolerant, but requires regular watering to maintain its green coloration and growth rate. However, it cannot tolerate standing water or waterlogged conditions, as it may cause the roots to rot.
Cultivation Methods
Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. juncifolia (Scribn.) Soreng, commonly known as Sandberg bluegrass, is a plant species that is native to the western part of North America. It is a drought-resistant plant that thrives in areas with a semiarid climate.
The plant grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. It is best to plant the grass in the spring, and regular watering is essential during the establishment period.
Watering Needs
Despite being drought-resistant, Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. juncifolia (Scribn.) Soreng still requires regular watering. The plant should be watered at least once a week during dry and hot weather conditions. Watering should be done in the early morning hours to allow the plant to absorb as much water as possible before the heat of the day.
It is important to avoid overwatering the plant as this can lead to waterlogging, which can have fatal consequences for the plant.
Fertilization
The Sandberg bluegrass does not require a lot of fertilization. In fact, excessive fertilization can be harmful to the plant and lead to poor growth. A light application of fertilizer in the spring and fall is sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to thrive.
The use of organic fertilizers is recommended as they are slow-release and provide a steady supply of nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning of Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. juncifolia (Scribn.) Soreng is not necessary. However, removing dead or damaged leaves can help promote the growth of new leaves and improve the plant's appearance. Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is best to do it in the spring before the growing season begins.
It is important to use sharp and clean pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases or pests. Disinfecting the pruning tools with alcohol or bleach before and after use is recommended.
Propagation of Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. juncifolia (Scribn.) Soreng
Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. juncifolia (Scribn.) Soreng is a low-growing, native grass found in many arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clayey, and is highly tolerant of drought and cold temperatures. To propagate this plant, several methods can be used, including seed propagation, division, and transplantation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Poa secunda. The seeds are best sown in late summer or early fall in a well-prepared seedbed. The soil should be moist and firm, but not wet. The seeds should be sown thinly and covered lightly with soil. The seedlings should emerge in a few weeks and should be watered regularly for the first few months.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Poa secunda. This method involves dividing an established clump of grass into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring, just before new growth begins. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the roots and shoots while dividing the plant. The new sections can be replanted in a well-prepared soil bed and watered regularly until established.
Transplantation
Transplantation is another method of propagating Poa secunda. This method involves moving an established plant from one location to another. The best time to transplant the plant is in the early spring or fall, when temperatures are cool and rainfall is adequate. The plant should be dug up carefully, ensuring that the roots are not damaged. It can then be replanted in a well-prepared soil bed and watered regularly until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Poa Secunda J. Presl ssp. Juncifolia (Scribn.) Soreng
Poa secunda J. Presl ssp. juncifolia (Scribn.) Soreng, commonly known as Sandberg bluegrass or alkali grass, is a cool-season grass native to North America. It is commonly found in alkaline soils, salt flats, and sandy regions. While the plant is generally hardy, it can be affected by certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health.
Common Diseases
The following are some of the common diseases that can affect Poa secunda:
- Crown Rust: This fungal disease appears as brownish-red pustules on the leaves and stems. It can affect the overall health of the plant by weakening it and reducing the quality and quantity of the yield. To manage crown rust, it is important to plant resistant varieties, maintain proper crop rotation, and use fungicides if necessary.
- Fusarium Patch: This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium spp. and is characterized by circular patches of dead or dying tissue. It is prevalent in wet and humid climates and can be managed by ensuring proper drainage, reducing thatch buildup, and using fungicides if necessary.
- Pythium Root Rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Pythium spp. and can lead to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves and wilted appearance. To manage Pythium root rot, it is important to maintain proper moisture levels and avoid overwatering, use resistant cultivars and apply fungicides if necessary.
Common Pests
The following are the common pests that can affect Poa secunda:
- Sod Webworms: These pests are the larvae of several moth species and can cause significant damage to the turfgrass by feeding on the leaves and stems. They can be controlled by applying insecticides and using cultural practices such as proper watering, mowing and fertilization.
- White Grubs: These are the larvae of several scarab beetles and can cause severe root damage leading to thinning and yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by using resistant cultivars, proper cultural practices and applying insecticides if necessary.
- Wireworms: These are the larvae of click beetles and can cause damage by feeding on the roots and reducing the vigor of the plant. To manage wireworms, it is important to eliminate breeding sites, maintain proper moisture levels and use insecticides if necessary.
Overall, managing diseases and pests requires a combination of cultural, biological and chemical methods. It is essential to identify the type of disease or pest affecting the plant, take appropriate steps to reduce the damage and monitor the plant's health continually.
