Origin
Stenotaphrum dimidiatum (L.) Brongn., commonly known as St. Augustine grass, is a warm-season grass that is native to the Gulf of Mexico coastal regions, the Caribbean, and tropical areas of South America.
Common Names
Stenotaphrum dimidiatum goes by several common names including Buffalo Grass, Charleston Grass, and square buffalo grass. It is also known as "carpet grass" in Southeast Asia for its ability to form a dense, low-lying turf.
General Appearance
Stenotaphrum dimidiatum is a perennial grass with long, flat blades and a dense growth habit that can reach a height of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). It has a unique blue-green color that is easily distinguishable from other grasses. St. Augustine grass also has a coarse texture and is often used as a lawn grass in tropical and subtropical regions due to its high tolerance for shade, salt, and heat.
Uses
Stenotaphrum dimidiatum has a variety of uses in landscaping and horticulture. It is often cultivated as a turfgrass for lawns, parks, and golf courses. Due to its salt tolerance, it is also commonly used in coastal regions and along highways where salt spray from the ocean can damage other types of grasses. Additionally, St. Augustine grass is used to prevent soil erosion and as forage for livestock in some areas. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and as an herbal remedy for fever, indigestion, and skin rashes.
Light Requirements
Stenotaphrum dimidiatum needs full to partial sun exposure for optimal growth. It grows best in areas with bright light but can also tolerate some shade. Therefore, it is suitable for cultivation in tropical climates or warm and transitional arid regions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can thrive in a wide range of temperature conditions, with the optimal range of temperature being between 20 to 35 °C. It is known to tolerate temperatures as low as 5 °C and as high as 40 °C.
Soil Requirements
The grass prefers well-draining, moist, and fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (6.0-7.0). Sandy or loamy soil types are suitable for the growth of this plant, but it can also grow in clay soils that drain well. Adequate soil moisture is necessary to support healthy growth and development of Stenotaphrum dimidiatum.
Cultivation Methods
Stenotaphrum dimidiatum, commonly known as St. Augustine grass, is typically cultivated by vegetative propagation using sod, sprigs, or plugs. It can thrive in a range of soil types, but prefers those with good drainage and a slightly acidic pH. When planting, care should be taken to ensure that the soil is not too compacted or too loose. The grass should be watered frequently after planting to establish the roots and should be given enough sunlight for at least 4-6 hours a day.
Watering Needs
St. Augustine grass requires regular watering, especially during long periods of drought or high temperatures. Watering should be done in the morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler to prevent excessive evaporation. Ideally, the grass should receive about an inch of water per week, but this can vary depending on the weather conditions, soil type, and drainage.
Fertilization
Fertilization is an essential aspect of maintaining healthy St. Augustine grass. The grass requires regular applications of nitrogen-rich fertilizers to promote growth and resilience. Ideally, fertilizers should be applied every 6-8 weeks and should be timed according to the grass's growth rate and the weather conditions. Fertilizers should be applied evenly across the lawn and watered immediately afterward to prevent fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning St. Augustine grass is essential for maintaining its health and aesthetic appeal. The grass should be mowed regularly to prevent it from becoming too long, as this can impede growth and promote thatch buildup. The grass should also be mowed at the right height, which is between 2-4 inches, depending on the season. Additionally, pruning should only be done when the grass is dry to prevent damage and disease.
Propagation of Stenotaphrum dimidiatum (L.) Brongn.
The Stenotaphrum dimidiatum, commonly known as St. Augustinegrass, can be propagated through several methods mentioned below:
Seed propagation
St. Augustinegrass can be propagated through seeds, but it is not a preferred method as the seeds are difficult to collect and have a very low germination rate.
Sod propagation
The most commonly preferred method of propagating St. Augustinegrass is through sod. A sod is a section of grass with soil attached to its roots. The sod is planted as it is in a prepared area, which allows the grass to establish quickly.
Plugging
Plugging is another method of propagating St. Augustinegrass. In this method, small grass cuttings with roots (plugs) are transplanted into small holes or a prepared ground. The plugs are spaced in such a way that they form a dense mat of grass.
Vegetative propagation
St. Augustinegrass can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings, rhizomes, and stolons. The cuttings are planted in the soil, and the roots grow from the nodes. This method is preferred when establishing a new lawn or repairing an existing one.
Regardless of the propagation method, the St. Augustinegrass requires adequate moisture and sunlight for proper growth and establishment.
Disease and Pest Management for Stenotaphrum dimidiatum (L.) Brongn.
Stenotaphrum dimidiatum, commonly known as St. Augustinegrass, is a warm-season grass species that is widely used for lawns, pastures, and turf grounds. Being a commonly cultivated grass species, it is subjected to a variety of diseases and pest attacks. Therefore, proper disease and pest management practices are crucial to maintaining the health and productivity of the grass.
Common Diseases of Stenotaphrum dimidiatum:
Some of the common diseases that affect St. Augustinegrass include brown patch, gray leaf spot, dollar spot, and Pythium blight. Brown patch, caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, is characterized by circular, brown patches with a tan center. Gray leaf spot, caused by the fungus Pyricularia grisea, is identified by small, grayish-brown spots on the leaf blades. Dollar spot, caused by the fungi Sclerotinia homoeocarpa and Sclerotinia dollar spot, results in small, silver dollar-sized patches. Pythium blight, caused by the Pythium spp. fungi, is characterized by irregularly shaped, dark green, water-soaked patches.
Disease Management:
To manage these diseases, maintaining proper cultural practices such as regular irrigation, soil aeration, and mowing at the right height is crucial. In addition, reducing the thatch layer, providing adequate fertilization, and avoiding over-watering during the evening can help reduce the incidence of fungal diseases. Fungicides such as chlorothalonil, propiconazole, and triadimefon are effective in controlling these fungal diseases.
Common Pests of Stenotaphrum dimidiatum:
Some of the common pests that affect St. Augustinegrass include chinch bugs, sod webworms, and armyworms. Chinch bugs suck the sap from the grass, causing yellowish-brown patches. Sod webworms and armyworms are caterpillars that feed on the grass blades.
Pest Management:
To manage these pests, regular examination of the grass for their presence is necessary. Maintaining a healthy lawn by avoiding over-irrigation and over-fertilization can help reduce the incidence of these pests. Insecticides such as carbaryl, bifenthrin, and permethrin are effective in controlling these pests.
In summary, proper disease and pest management practices are crucial to maintaining a healthy and productive Stenotaphrum dimidiatum lawn. Regular monitoring, maintaining proper cultural practices, and the use of appropriate fungicides and insecticides are essential components of an effective disease and pest management program.
