Overview
Sporobolus clandestinus is a plant species of the Poaceae family, also known as the sand dropseed, native to North America. It can be found in various regions from the Great Plains to the eastern United States.
Appearance
The sand dropseed is a short grass, growing between 1 to 3 feet tall. Its leaves are thin and flat, ranging from 3 to 8 inches long. The color of the leaves varies from light green to blue-green, with fine hairs on the upper surface. The plant has a rounded inflorescence, with numerous tiny flowers that bloom during summer or early fall.
Common Names
Aside from sand dropseed, this plant is also referred to as the hidden dropseed, underground dropseed, and low false beardgrass.
Uses
The sand dropseed has multiple uses, particularly in the fields of ecological restoration and landscaping. It is also an important forage grass for both cattle and wildlife due to its high protein content. Historically, the seeds were used as a food source by Native American tribes. Additionally, the roots and leaves have medicinal properties, as they contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Light Requirements
Sporobolus clandestinus is a sun-loving plant that requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight can lead to stunted growth and poor yield.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 18-30°C. Extremely high temperatures can cause heat stress in the plant resulting in reduced growth rates.
The plant can also tolerate occasional cold snaps if they are short-lived. However, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can result in significant growth reduction and damage to the plant tissue.
Soil Requirements
Sporobolus clandestinus thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0-7.0.
The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients, but not overly fertile. Excessive soil fertility can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of seed development, which negatively impacts its overall health.
The plant also prefers soil that is slightly moist but not too wet. Over-irrigation can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wither and die.
Cultivation Methods
Sporobolus clandestinus, commonly known as sandbur, is a warm-season perennial grass that is native to North and South America. The best time to plant this grass is during late spring or early summer, when the soil temperature is around 60°F to 65°F. The soil should be well-draining, free from weeds, and have a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth. The grass can be propagated through seeds or vegetative propagation. If planting through seeds, ensure that the seeds are covered lightly with soil and watered regularly.
Watering Needs
Sporobolus clandestinus requires regular watering during its establishment period. After the establishment period, the watering can be reduced to once a week or bi-weekly, depending on the soil and climate conditions. The grass should be watered heavily but infrequently to encourage the development of a deep root system. Avoid overwatering, which may cause root rot or fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The grass requires regular fertilization to maintain its health and promote growth. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 4-1-2 or 3-1-2 is recommended. Fertilize the grass during its growing season, which is typically from late spring to early fall. Avoid fertilizing the grass during the dormant season, which is during winter.
Pruning
Sporobolus clandestinus does not require regular pruning. However, the grass can be cut back during its dormant period to remove the brown and dead parts. The grass can be cut back to around 2-3 inches above the ground level. Avoid cutting the grass too short, as it may damage the crown and prevent new growth. Regular mowing during the growing season is recommended to keep the grass healthy and vigorous.
Propagation of Sporobolus clandestinus
Sporobolus clandestinus (Biehler) A.S. Hitchc. is commonly known as dropseed lovegrass and is a perennial bunchgrass that originates from Africa and has become naturalized in North America. The plant is appreciated for its drought tolerance, and as such, is commonly used for sand dune stabilization, restoration of degraded rangelands, and forage production.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and efficient method of propagating Sporobolus clandestinus. The plant produces a large quantity of seeds with good germination rates. Seeds should be collected when they are mature, which usually occurs towards the end of summer. Mature seeds are tan, dry, and detach easily from the plant. To collect the seeds, you can gently shake the seed heads into a container. Care should be taken to avoid crushing the seeds.
Prior to planting, seeds should be cleaned to remove any debris. Mixing the seeds with sand will improve their distribution and aid in even planting. The optimal time for planting seeds is in the spring when the soil temperature reaches approximately 60°F (15.5°C). The seeds should be sown at a depth of about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) with a spacing of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) between plants.
Vegetative Propagation
Although seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Sporobolus clandestinus, the plant can also be propagated vegetatively. Vegetative propagation involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them to produce new plants.
Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during the plant's growing season. The cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length and taken from the parent plant's lower branches. Once the cuttings have been taken, they should be stripped of any leaves and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist, but not overly wet. Roots should develop within a few weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted into the desired location when they have reached a sufficient size.
Disease and Pest Management for Sporobolus Clandestinus
Like any other plant, Sporobolus clandestinus is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests. However, with proper disease and pest management practices, growers can ensure healthy growth and yields. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases: Rusts and smuts are among the most common fungal diseases that affect Sporobolus clandestinus. Rust is characterized by orange, yellow, or brown pustules on the leaves while smuts result in grey-black powdery masses. These diseases can cause significant yield losses and affect the quality of the crop. To manage fungal diseases, growers should practice crop rotation, use resistant varieties, remove infected plant debris, and apply a fungicide when necessary.
Viral diseases: Sporobolus clandestinus may be affected by different types of viral diseases, including yellow dwarf virus, barley yellow dwarf virus, and cereal mosaic virus. Viral diseases can cause stunting, yellowing, and sometimes death of the plant. There is no cure for viral diseases, but they can be managed through proper sanitation practices, avoiding the planting of infected seed, using virus-free seed, and controlling aphids, which are common vectors for viral transmission.
Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases such as bacterial leaf spot and black chaff can also affect the plant. Symptoms of bacterial diseases include necrotic spots, wilting, and cankers. To manage bacterial diseases, growers should practice crop rotation, use clean seed, control insect vectors, and apply copper-based bactericides when necessary.
Common Pests
Cutworms: Cutworms are common pests that feed on the stem of the plant, leading to lodging and reduced yields. To manage cutworms, growers should practice field sanitation, tillage, and apply an insecticide when necessary.
Armyworms: Armyworms are also common pests of Sporobolus clandestinus, especially in areas with prolonged dry periods. They feed on the foliage and stem of the plant, resulting in yield losses and reduced forage quality. To manage armyworms, growers should avoid planting the crop late in the season, control grassy weeds, and apply an insecticide when necessary.
Aphids: Aphids can cause significant yield losses by transmitting viral diseases. They also secrete honeydew, leading to the growth of sooty mold. To manage aphids, growers should practice field sanitation, control grassy weeds, control ant populations, and apply an insecticide when necessary.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management for Sporobolus clandestinus involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control practices. Growers should identify the pests and diseases affecting their crops and employ appropriate control measures to minimize yield losses and improve the overall health of the plant.
