Origin
×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey, also known as hybrid wheatgrass, is a plant hybrid between Elymus canadensis and Elymus cinereus. It is native to North America and is commonly found in prairies, mountain slopes, and disturbed areas.
Common Names
Hybrid wheatgrass goes by several names, including intermediate wheatgrass, wheatgrass hybrid, and tall wheatgrass. It may also be referred to by its scientific name, ×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey.
Uses
Hybrid wheatgrass is an important forage crop, used for grazing livestock and for hay production. It is known for its drought tolerance and ability to grow in poor soil conditions, making it a popular choice for erosion control and land reclamation projects. In addition, this plant is often planted in gardens as an ornamental grass.
General Appearance
Hybrid wheatgrass is a large, perennial grass that can grow up to 4 feet tall. It has long, narrow leaves that are flat and smooth. The seed heads form dense clusters on long stems and are often purplish in color. The plant's root system is fibrous and can extend several feet in depth, making it highly resistant to drought and heat. Hybrid wheatgrass is a hardy and versatile plant that can thrive in a variety of climates and soil conditions.
Growth Conditions of ×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey
×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey, commonly known as hybrid wheatgrass, is a hybrid species resulting from the cross between various Elymus and Pseudoroegneria species. This plant is adaptable to different climates and soils, but it thrives under certain specific growth conditions.
Light
Like most grasses, hybrid wheatgrass requires sufficient exposure to sunlight to grow. It can grow in areas with partial shade, but it grows best in full sun exposure. At least six hours of direct sunlight every day is necessary to achieve optimal growth, yield, and quality. Therefore, it is essential to plant hybrid wheatgrass in locations without obstructions that may block sunlight.
Temperature
Hybrid wheatgrass is a cool-season plant, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures of up to -35 °C. The optimal growth temperature is between 16 °C and 21 °C. However, during the early stages of growth, the plant can tolerate lower temperatures of -2 °C to 4°C, but growth will be slower. While the plant can withstand high temperatures, its growth slows down when temperatures exceed 27 °C.
Soil Requirements
Hybrid wheatgrass can adapt to different soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and silty loam soils, but prefers well-drained soils. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soil (pH 7 to 8.5) and low-fertility soils, but it responds well to fertilization. The plant is drought-resistant, and once established, it can tolerate some water shortage. However, it requires regular watering during the early stages of growth.
Cultivation Methods for ×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey
×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey, commonly known as Lyme Grass, is a hardy plant that grows well in almost any well-drained soil type. It prefers full sun but tolerates shade. When planting, ensure the soil is moist, and add organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage. Plant the Lyme Grass seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch and space them about 18 to 24 inches apart.Watering Needs for ×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey
Lyme grass is a drought-tolerant plant that does not need frequent watering once established. Water newly planted seedlings lightly every day for the first two weeks, then once a week, unless rainfall is sufficient. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.Fertilization for ×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey
The Lyme grass is a naturally hardy plant that needs little or no fertilizer. However, applying organic matter such as well-rotted compost or aged manure in the fall can help improve soil fertility and promote healthy growth. Avoid using chemical fertilizers as they can damage the plant and harm the environment.Pruning for ×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey
Lyme grass requires minimal pruning as it is a self-maintaining plant. However, it's best to cut off dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems to maintain its appearance and promote healthy growth. Prune as necessary but avoid cutting the plant back too hard, as it can lead to stunted growth and poor performance.Propagation of ×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey
×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey, commonly known as a hybrid between Pseudoroegneria and Hordeum species, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for ×Pseudelymus is through seeds. The seeds should be collected when they are fully matured and dry, typically between late summer and early fall. They can be stored in a cool and dry place until the time of sowing. Before sowing, the seeds should be stratified for several weeks to mimic the natural winter conditions. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in moist sand or perlite in a refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. After stratification, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until germination. Germination can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the conditions.
Division
×Pseudelymus can also be propagated through division. This method is best suited for mature plants that have formed clumps. In the spring or fall, the clumps can be carefully lifted and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a sufficient number of roots and shoots to ensure successful establishment. The divided sections can be planted into well-prepared soil in their desired location.
Root Cuttings
Another asexual method of propagation is through root cuttings. This method is less commonly used but can be effective when seeds or division are not viable options. In late fall or early spring, small sections of root can be taken from a mature plant and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm until new shoots emerge. This method requires patience and can take several months to establish new plants.
Disease and Pest Management for ×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey Plant
×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey, commonly known as 'blue wildrye,' is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass that is native to North America. This plant is often grown for forage and erosion control, but it can be vulnerable to a variety of diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
Crown Rust: This fungal disease is a common problem in blue wildrye plants. It appears as orange pustules on the leaves, stems, and seed heads of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to plant resistant cultivars, avoid planting in high humidity areas, applying fungicides, and maintain proper plant spacing and ventilation.
Stripe rust: Another fungal disease that causes yellow to white stripes on the leaves. Infected plants may become weak and stunted. To manage this disease, it is suggested to plant resistant cultivars, avoid overhead irrigation, control weeds, and apply fungicides.
Powdery Mildew: It is a fungal disease that causes a powdery white coating on the leaves. The leaves may yellow, curl, and die. To manage this disease, it is recommended to plant resistant cultivars, avoid overhead irrigation, maintain proper plant spacing and ventilation and apply fungicides.
Common Pests
Armyworms: The larvae of armyworms eat the foliage and stems of the plant, causing damage to the plant. To reduce the damage from armyworms, it is recommended to use biological control methods such as releasing parasitic wasps and parasitic flies, using pheromone traps to catch them, and applying insecticides.
Wireworms: The juvenile form of click beetle feeds on the roots and stems of the plant, causing damage. To manage this pest, it is recommended to rotate crops, use trap crops, and apply insecticides.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are known to cause damage to blue wildrye by eating the leaves, stems, and seed heads of the plant. To manage grasshoppers, it is recommended to use biological control methods, such as introducing predator insects like parasitic wasps and mantises, placing sticky traps in the field, and using insecticides.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in ×Pseudelymus Barkworth & D.R. Dewey is essential to maintain the health and growth of the plant. By planting resistant cultivars, maintaining proper plant spacing, using biological control methods, and applying pesticides, we can avoid and control the diseases and pests that threaten our blue wildrye plants.
