Sporobolus Indicus (l.) R.br. Var. Flaccidus (roem. & Schult.) Veldkamp

Origin:

Sporobolus indicus (L.) R.Br. var. flaccidus (Roem. & Schult.) Veldkamp, commonly known as weeping dropseed, is a species of grass native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. It belongs to the family Poaceae, which is found worldwide and is one of the most important plant families for human food and animal feed.

Common names:

The plant is commonly known as weeping dropseed, weeping beard grass, and soft neel. In various countries, it is also known by different names such as Mupisi in Shona, Naga-pampa in Tamil, Boesmantjiering in Afrikaans, and Lekma in Hausa.

Uses:

The weeping dropseed has various uses in different parts of the world. In India, the plant is commonly used in traditional medicine as a treatment for various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and bronchitis. In Africa, this grass is used to make baskets and mats. It is also used as a thatching material for roofs. The plant is used as a forage crop for livestock because it has high palatability and nutritive value. It is also used for soil conservation in the United States as its deep root system helps to stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.

General appearance:

The weeping dropseed is a perennial grass that can grow up to 90cm tall. The plant has deep roots and grows in clumps. It has long, slender leaves that are blue-green to grayish-green in color. The inflorescence of the plant is a drooping panicle, which is about 30cm long. The seeds are small and brown and are enclosed in a papery hull. When the hulls break open, the seeds are released and are dispersed by wind.

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Light Requirements

Sporobolus indicus var. flaccidus requires full sun exposure to thrive. It cannot survive in shaded areas or under low light conditions. It is a highly photosensitive plant that requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Any less than this and its growth and development will be severely stunted.

Temperature Requirements

This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in warm and hot tropical and subtropical climates. It requires a minimum temperature of 10°C and a maximum temperature of 45°C. However, it cannot withstand frost, and freezing temperatures can kill the plant.

Soil Requirements

Sporobolus indicus var. flaccidus can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained, sandy soils. It can also grow in clay soils as long as they are well-drained. The ideal soil pH range for the plant is between 6.0 and 8.5. Additionally, the plant requires moderate levels of soil fertility, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Cultivation

Sporobolus indicus (L.) R.Br. var. flaccidus (Roem. & Schult.) Veldkamp, also known as Tanglehead, is a hardy grass that is native to southern Africa. It is best grown in well-drained soils and in full sun. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils.

The seeds of Sporobolus indicus can be sown either in the spring or the fall. In order to germinate, the seeds need to be in contact with the soil, so they should be raked lightly into the soil or covered with a light layer of compost.

Watering Needs

While Tanglehead is a drought-tolerant plant, it is important to water it regularly, especially during periods of extended drought. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, rather than a light watering several times a week, to encourage the roots to grow down into the soil.

If the leaves of the Tanglehead begin to curl or wilt, it is a sign that the plant needs to be watered. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to avoid letting the plant sit in water.

Fertilization

Sporobolus indicus (L.) R.Br. var. flaccidus (Roem. & Schult.) Veldkamp does not require fertilization, as it is capable of growing in poor soils. However, if the plant is grown in a particularly nutrient-poor area, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring, as the plant begins to grow.

It is important to avoid using a fertilizer with high nitrogen content, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and a weaker root system.

Pruning

Tanglehead does not require regular pruning, as it is a grass and will naturally grow back after being cut. However, if the plants become too large or begin to flop over, they can be cut back by two-thirds in the spring. This will encourage the plant to produce new, more upright growth.

It is important to only prune the plant after it has completed its growing cycle, typically in the fall. Pruning too early can stunt the growth of the plant and reduce its ability to survive through the winter.

Propagation methods

Sporobolus indicus (L.) R.Br. var. flaccidus (Roem. & Schult.) Veldkamp can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.

Sexual propagation

The seeds of Sporobolus indicus can be collected once the inflorescence has completely matured and the seeds have turned brown. Once collected, the seeds should be dried and stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be planted. Sowing of the seeds can be done both in the nursery and directly in the field. However, it is important to note that the seed germination rate is low and can take up to two months for the seeds to germinate.

Asexual propagation

The plant can also be propagated asexually through vegetative means such as stem cuttings and root division. Using stem cuttings is the most common method of asexual propagation. For this method, the stem is cut into 10-15 cm long sections and planted in the nursery or directly in the field. Root division involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections with each section containing roots and shoots. These smaller sections are then planted individually in the field or nursery.

Disease Management

Sporobolus indicus var. flaccidus is generally a hardy plant and less susceptible to diseases compared to other crops. However, some diseases can still affect its growth and development. The common diseases that affect Sporobolus indicus var. flaccidus include;

• Rust - Rusts appear as small reddish-brown blisters or pustules on the leaves and stems of the plant. Severely affected plants may defoliate and die. Rust can be managed by removing and destroying affected plants, and using fungicides.
• Leaf Spot - Leaf spot is characterized by small, circular to irregular, brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. In severe cases, the leaves may turn yellow and drop. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy affected plants and use fungicides.
• Anthracnose - Anthracnose appears as small, circular to irregular, brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant. Severely affected plants may defoliate and die. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy affected plants and use fungicides.

Pest Management

Sporobolus indicus var. flaccidus may be affected by a variety of pests that can cause varying degrees of damage to the plant. The common pests that affect this plant include;

• Grasshoppers - Grasshoppers feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing defoliation and stunting of growth. To manage grasshoppers, use insecticides or traps.
• Cutworms - Cutworms feed on the stems of the plant, causing stunted growth or death of the plant. To manage cutworms, use insecticides or handpick them.
• Armyworms - Armyworms feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing defoliation and stunting of growth. To manage armyworms, use insecticides or handpick them.
• Mites - Mites suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing stippling and discoloration. To manage mites, remove and destroy affected plants and use miticides.