Stenotaphrum Diplotaphrum Pilg.

Overview

Stenotaphrum diplotaphrum Pilg., also known as St. Augustinegrass, is a warm season turfgrass species commonly used in lawns, parks, and athletic fields in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Origin

The plant is native to the coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, including Florida, Mexico, and the Bahamas.

Common Names

Stenotaphrum diplotaphrum is commonly referred to as St. Augustinegrass, buffalo grass, and Charleston grass.

Appearance

The plant has a coarse texture and broad, flat, dark green leaves that grow up to 10 inches long and 0.4 inches wide. It typically forms a dense turf that can reach up to 1.5 feet in height and spreads by stolons.

Uses

Stenotaphrum diplotaphrum is commonly used for its durability and ability to withstand heavy traffic, making it an ideal option for high-use areas like parks and sports fields. It is also a popular choice for residential lawns in warm climates due to its low maintenance requirements and tolerance for shade. In addition to its use in landscaping, the plant is also used for erosion control and as a forage crop for livestock.

here

Growth Conditions for Stenotaphrum diplotaphrum Pilg.

Stenotaphrum diplotaphrum Pilg., commonly known as buffalo grass, is a warm-season grass that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, but there are certain elements that are essential for proper growth and development.

Light Requirements

Buffalo grass grows best in full sun exposure, but it can also tolerate partial shade. However, inadequate light can cause the plant to develop thin and leggy stems, which can affect its overall health.

Temperature Requirements

This species of grass prefers warm temperatures between 68-93°F (20-34°C). It can tolerate drought conditions and needs less water during the cooler months when the growth rate slows down.

Soil Requirements

Buffalo grass prefers well-draining soils that are loose and fertile. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils, as long as they are moderately fertile. Soil pH should be between 6.5-7.5, and the plant can tolerate slightly acidic to alkaline soils.

In conclusion, Stenotaphrum diplotaphrum is a versatile grass species that can adapt to different growing conditions. Providing it with full sun exposure, warm temperatures, and well-draining soil will result in healthy and lush growth.

Cultivation

Stenotaphrum diplotaphrum Pilg., commonly known as St. Augustine grass, is a warm-season grass that is easy to grow from plugs or sod. The plant is tolerant of different soil types, including sandy or clay soils, but prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. St. Augustine grass grows well in full sun to moderate shade, but it prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Watering

St. Augustine grass has moderate to high water needs and requires regular watering to keep its lush appearance. The grass should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. It is best to water early in the morning to allow the grass to dry before the evening to prevent fungal growth.

Fertilization

St. Augustine grass requires regular fertilization to maintain its vibrant green color and vigorous growth. The grass should be fed with a slow-release fertilizer that has a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season, starting from late spring to early fall.

Pruning

St. Augustine grass should be mowed when its blades reach a height of 3 to 4 inches. It is best to use a sharp lawn mower and avoid cutting more than one-third of the blade length at a time. Clippings should be left on the lawn to decompose and provide nutrients to the soil. The grass should be dethatched once a year to remove dead material and promote healthy growth.

Propagation of Stenotaphrum diplotaphrum Pilg.

The propagation of Stenotaphrum diplotaphrum Pilg. is typically done through vegetative methods as seeds are not reliable. The most common methods are:

Stolons

Stolons are above-ground runners that grow along the surface of the soil and create new plants at their nodes. This method is particularly useful for Stenotaphrum diplotaphrum Pilg. as its stolons are vigorous and fast-growing. To propagate the plant through stolons, one should gently separate the daughter plant from the mother plant and transplant it to its desired location.

Division

Division is another vegetative method whereby the plant is divided into sections, each with its roots, for separate planting. This method is most effective when the parent plant has become overcrowded and needs pruning. The plant is lifted from the soil with care to avoid any damage, and the roots are gently separated into smaller sections for replanting.

Transplanting of Plug Plants

Plug plants are small plants grown in containers filled with soil. They are grown in nurseries and can be purchased as ready-to-plant plugs. To propagate Stenotaphrum diplotaphrum Pilg. through plug plants, one only needs to buy the plugs from a reputable nursery and transplant them to the desired location. Plug plants should be transplanted during the growing season when the soil temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Disease Management

Stenotaphrum diplotaphrum Pilg., commonly known as St. Augustine grass, is susceptible to various diseases. The most common diseases include brown patch, dollar spot, and gray leaf spot.

Brown patch is caused by the Rhizoctonia solani fungus, and it typically occurs during hot and humid weather conditions. Symptoms include circular patches of brown or yellow grass with a ring of bright green grass around the edges. To manage brown patch, avoid overwatering and overfertilizing the grass. Also, remove thatch buildup and irrigate early in the day to allow the grass blades to dry faster.

Dollar spot is caused by the Sclerotinia homoecarpa fungus and appears as small white or tan spots on blades of grass. This disease can be managed by using resistant turfgrass cultivars, practicing proper irrigation and fertilization, as well as maintaining adequate soil moisture levels in the root zone.

Gray leaf spot is caused by the Pyricularia grisea fungus and appears as long, yellow, or tan-colored bands on the blades of grass. To manage this disease, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization and mow regularly to maintain a healthy height for the grass.

Pest Management

Several pests can infest and damage St. Augustine grass. These pests include chinch bugs, armyworms, and sod webworms.

Chinch bugs cause yellowish patches of grass that eventually turn brown. They can be managed by reducing thatch buildup and maintaining good soil moisture levels in the root zone. Additionally, use insecticides and biological control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis to control these pests.

Armyworms are caterpillars that feed mainly on the blades of grass and can defoliate large areas quickly. They can be managed by applying insecticides, using beneficial nematodes, and planting resistant cultivars.

Sod webworms are another significant pest that can cause damage to the grass blades. They can be managed by using insecticides and encouraging the population growth of natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps.