Origin
Sporobolus clandestinus (Biehler) A.S. Hitchc. var. canovirens (Nash) Steyermark & Kucera, commonly known as Alkali Sacaton, belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a perennial, warm-season grass that is native to North America. Its natural range extends from western Texas to southern New Mexico and Arizona. Alkali Sacaton grows in arid and semi-arid environments where the soils are alkaline or salty.
Common Names
Sporobolus clandestinus (Biehler) A.S. Hitchc. var. canovirens (Nash) Steyermark & Kucera, commonly referred to as Alkali Sacaton, is also known by other names such as Tobosa Grass, Sideoats Grama, and Sacaton.
Uses
Alkali Sacaton has various uses. It is used for erosion control, reclamation of disturbed lands, and range management. It is also an excellent forage grass for livestock, especially during drought periods when other vegetation is scarce. Moreover, Alkali Sacaton is used as ornamental grass in landscaping and restoration projects.
General Appearance
Alkali Sacaton is a perennial grass that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a deep rooting system that allows it to withstand drought and soil erosion. The leaves are long and slender, ranging from green to blue-green in color. They grow up to 30 cm in length and 3 mm in width. The flower heads are one-sided and bristly, with purplish-brown spikelets that are about 1 cm long. Alkali Sacaton blooms in late summer and early fall, and its seeds are dispersed by the wind.
hereGrowth Conditions for Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens
Light: Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens requires full sun and cannot tolerate shade. It thrives in areas with bright and direct sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature: This plant prefers warm climates and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-10. The optimum temperature range for its growth falls between 20 to 35°C. However, it can survive in temperatures as low as -15°C.
Soil: Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens can survive in a wide range of soil types, including clay, sandy, or loamy soil. However, the soil needs to be well-drained and should have a pH range of 6-8. This plant is sensitive to soil salinity and may not grow well in areas with significantly high salt concentrations.
Water: This plant can withstand drought-like conditions. However, regular watering in the initial growth stages can help establish the roots and promote healthy growth. Once established, sporadic rainfall is sufficient for its growth and development.
Nutrition: The growth of Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens can be improved with appropriate fertilization. An all-purpose fertilizer mixed in the soil or added as a topdress can provide necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
Other requirements: This plant can tolerate high winds and salt spray, making it suitable for coastal areas. It is also fire-adapted and can regrow after being burnt. However, it does not do well in areas with heavy foot traffic or where it may be easily trampled, such as public parks or gardens.
Cultivation methods
Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens is a warm-season, perennial grass that thrives in full sun and well-draining soils. It can be cultivated by seed or vegetative propagation, however, seed propagation is more commonly used. The seeds require a warm and moist environment to germinate, and therefore, it is recommended to plant them during the spring or early summer. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inches and keep the soil moist until they germinate, which takes approximately two weeks.
Watering needs
Once the Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens is established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, but it requires regular watering until it has developed a deep and healthy root system. It is essential to ensure that the soil is adequately moist but not waterlogged. Therefore, it is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.
Fertilization
Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens does not require heavy fertilization, but it responds well to a light application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. It is best to apply the fertilizer in the spring, after the last frost, and again in mid-summer. Use a slow-release fertilizer and follow the package instructions regarding the amount and application method.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens. However, removing the old and dead stems in the early spring can help promote new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too dense. Cut the stems as close to the ground as possible. Additionally, removing the flowers after they have faded can prevent self-seeding and promote more robust foliage.
Propagation of Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens
Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens can be propagated through vegetative and seed propagation methods.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves using plant parts other than seeds to grow new plants. Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens can be propagated through vegetative methods such as division and stem cuttings. Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections with roots and planting them separately. Stem cuttings involve taking a cutting from the stem of the plant and planting it in moist soil until roots form.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation involves growing new plants from seeds. Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens can be propagated through seed propagation by sowing seeds in well-drained soil during the spring or fall. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and watered. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks.
Disease Management
Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens is relatively resistant to diseases, but it can still be affected by some fungal infections. The most common ones are:
- Leaf blight: This disease is caused by the fungus Curvularia sp. and is characterized by the appearance of small, brown spots on the leaves. As the infection progresses, the spots become bigger and join together, eventually leading to the death of the entire leaf. To control leaf blight, it is recommended to apply fungicides containing chlorothalonil or azoxystrobin.
- Anthracnose: Caused by the fungus Colletotrichum graminicola, anthracnose results in the development of yellow to reddish-brown, water-soaked spots on the leaves, stems, and panicles. As the disease progresses, the spots turn dark and become covered with black fungal spores. To manage anthracnose, the use of fungicides that contain triadimefon or propiconazole is recommended.
- Brown patch: This fungal disease, caused by the pathogen Rhizoctonia solani, results in the formation of circular brown patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. Fungicides containing flutolanil or azoxystrobin can be used to control brown patch.
Pest Management
While Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens is not prone to insect infestations, there are still a few pests that can affect its growth:
- Sod webworms: These larvae of the lawn moth feed on grass leaves, causing irregular brown patches to appear on the plant. To control sod webworms, the application of insecticides that contain cyfluthrin or permethrin is recommended.
- Fall armyworms: These pests are particularly damaging to grasses, as they feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing significant damage. To control fall armyworms, the use of insecticides that contain carbaryl or bifenthrin is suggested.
- Chinch bugs: These bugs suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing the grass to turn yellow and die. To manage chinch bugs, the application of insecticides that contain imidacloprid or cyfluthrin is recommended.
To prevent the onset of diseases and pests in Sporobolus clandestinus var. canovirens, it is essential to maintain proper cultural management practices, such as regular watering, adequate fertilization, and proper mowing techniques. Additionally, regular inspection of the plant for any signs of damage or infestation is highly recommended.
