Overview
Setaria sphacelata (Schumach.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. ex M.B.Moss var. anceps (Stapf) Veldkamp, also known as African bristle grass, is a species of grass in the Poaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Asia, Australia, and the Americas. The plant is commonly used for forage and pasture, but also has some medicinal uses.
Common Names
Setaria sphacelata is commonly known as African bristle grass, green bristle grass, Rhodes grass, and buffalo grass, among other names. In some areas of Africa, it is known as “panicum grass.”
Appearance
Setaria sphacelata is an annual or perennial grass that typically grows to between 50cm and 2m in height. The plant can have a tufted or creeping growth habit, depending on the variety. The leaves are flat and broad, ranging in color from light to dark green. The inflorescence is a panicle with a spike-like appearance, and the flowers are usually green or greenish-yellow.
Uses
Setaria sphacelata is primarily used for forage and pasture, as it is highly palatable to livestock and can provide good yields of high-quality feed. It is often used in mixtures with other grasses, such as legumes or other varieties of Setaria. In addition to its use as livestock feed, Setaria sphacelata has some medicinal uses in various parts of the world. In South Africa, for example, the plant is used to treat stomach ailments, while in Nigeria, it is used to treat infertility in women.
hereGrowth Conditions for Setaria sphacelata (Schumach.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. ex M.B.Moss var. anceps (Stapf) Veldkamp
Setaria sphacelata (Schumach.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. ex M.B.Moss var. anceps (Stapf) Veldkamp is a tropical grass species widely distributed in Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is commonly called African grass, golden millet, or green foxtail.
Light Requirements
Setaria sphacelata thrives in full to partial sunlight. It requires sunny locations to produce optimum growth and develop robust leaves and stems. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may reduce growth and affect the plant's productivity.
Temperature Requirements
Setaria sphacelata can grow in a wide range of temperatures. The grass can tolerate moderate cold conditions but flourishes in warm to hot temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth is 20-35°C, and the plant is well-suited to tropical and subtropical environments.
Soil Requirements
Setaria sphacelata grows well in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-draining and fertile. The grass prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils but can adapt to slightly alkaline or saline soils. The plant can tolerate waterlogged soil conditions but not for long periods. It is generally grown in soils rich in organic matter, such as sandy loams, clay loams, and volcanic soils.
Cultivation of Setaria sphacelata var. anceps
Setaria sphacelata var. anceps is a tropical perennial grass that is native to Africa. It is commonly grown for grazing, hay production, forage, and erosion control.
The grass thrives in areas with warm temperatures and high rainfall, and it can also grow in well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral.
Watering Needs
Setaria sphacelata var. anceps requires frequent watering during establishment to ensure deep rooting. Once established, the grass is drought tolerant, but it still requires regular watering during dry periods.
It is essential to avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot and fungal infections. Proper drainage is also crucial to prevent standing water in the soil, which can lead to the same problems.
Fertilization
Setaria sphacelata var. anceps requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. The ideal fertilizer should contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a ratio of 3:1:2.
It is best to apply fertilizer after mowing to ensure that nutrients are readily taken up by the grass. However, excess nitrogen can lead to an increased risk of disease and susceptibility to pests, so it is essential to follow recommended application rates.
Pruning
Pruning of Setaria sphacelata var. anceps is essential to maintain healthy growth and remove damaged or diseased leaves and stems.
Pruning should be done just before the beginning of the rainy season. It is best to prune the grass low to the ground, leaving only a few centimeters of stem and leaves to facilitate new growth.
Pruning in the dry season should be avoided as it can leave the grass vulnerable to stress, and it may take longer for the grass to recover and produce new growth.
Propagation of Setaria sphacelata var. anceps
Setaria sphacelata var. anceps can be propagated through a variety of methods. The most common methods include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Setaria sphacelata var. anceps can be sown directly or transplanted from a seedbed. Prior to sowing, the seed should be scarified or nicked to improve germination rates. Sowing of seeds is usually done at the onset of the rainy season and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seedbed should be kept moist throughout the germination process.
Vegetative Propagation
Setaria sphacelata var. anceps can also be propagated vegetatively. This can be done through stem cuttings, root division or layering methods. Stem cuttings should be preferably taken from the younger plants and treated with rooting hormone before planting in a rooting medium. The root division method involves separating the roots of an existing plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has enough roots to support itself. The layering method involves bending a lower branch of the mother plant and covering it with soil until it develops roots, then cutting it off and planting it in a different location.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture propagation can also be used to propagate Setaria sphacelata var. anceps. This entails the in vitro regeneration of plants from small plant parts. Seedlings, leaf tissues, and stem tissues can all be used for tissue culture propagation. This method requires sterile techniques and specific growing conditions but can produce large quantities of identical plants in a shorter time.
Disease management:
Setaria sphacelata is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including leaf spot, rust, and smut. Leaf spot can be managed by promptly removing and destroying infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering. Rust and smut can be controlled by treating the plants with fungicides containing copper or sulfur. Regularly monitoring and identifying symptoms of diseases can help prevent their spread.
Pest management:
The most common insect pests that attack Setaria sphacelata are grasshoppers and armyworms. To control grasshoppers, use insecticides containing carbaryl, malathion, or permethrin. Armyworms can be managed by applying insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad. It is also important to avoid overcrowding and overfertilizing, which can attract pests. Regularly inspecting the plants and creating physical barriers can be helpful in preventing pests from infesting the plants.
