Origin and Common Names
Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. is a type of grass that is native to southern Africa. It is commonly known as the Kalahari three-awn, Kalahari threeawn grass, or simply, three-awn grass.
Appearance
This plant is a tufted perennial grass that can grow up to 90 cm in height. The leaves are thin and fine, growing up to 30 cm long and 1 mm wide. The stem of the plant is slender and slightly curved at the top, with three projections or awns that give the plant its distinctive appearance. These awns are around 15 cm long and are bent or curved near the tips, appearing almost like hooks. The flowers of the plant are small and inconspicuous, clustered on the upper stem. The seeds are shiny and have a pointed tip, with a length of around 2 mm.
Uses
Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. is an important grazing plant in the Kalahari Desert. It grows well in sandy soils and dry conditions, making it a valuable source of food for livestock in the region. Additionally, the plant has been used for thatching and basket weaving in the past.
Light Requirements:
Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. is a plant that thrives in areas with full sun exposure. It needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day to grow optimally. Under low light conditions, the plant may grow slowly and suffer from stunted growth. Direct sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, which is crucial for the plant's survival.
Temperature Requirements:
Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. is a warm-season grass that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. Optimum temperatures for growth are between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). The plant cannot tolerate frost and requires warm temperatures during the growing season. High temperatures above 40°C (104°F) can cause heat stress and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements:
The Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. plant prefers well-drained, fertile soils that have a pH level between 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and not compacted, as the roots need good aeration and water drainage. The plant is tolerant of saline and alkaline soils, making it suitable for growth in semi-arid regions. It may struggle in waterlogged soils which can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation methods
Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. is a tough grass that tolerates different types of soil, including poorly drained and alkaline soils. It grows best in full sun and requires minimal attention to thrive. Propagation is through seeds, and the grass grows quickly, forming a thick turf that covers the ground.
Watering needs
Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. is not a water-loving grass, and excessive watering may cause root rot. It requires moderate water during prolonged dry spells to maintain its greenery, but this should reduce during the cooler months. Always water the grass early in the morning to avoid prolonged moisture on the leaves, which may cause fungal infections.
Fertilization
Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. requires minimal fertilization to grow healthy. Adding organic matter like compost or manure during planting improves the soil quality and provides nutrients for growth. Over-fertilizing may cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development and increases susceptibility to pests and diseases. It is best to avoid fertilizing during the hot summer months.
Pruning
Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. does not require regular pruning. However, pruning to ground level during winter revitalizes the grass, encourages healthy new growth, reduces weed invasion, and minimizes pest infestations. Remove any dead or damaged blades and avoid cutting during drought, as this may expose the roots to the sun's intense rays.
Propagation of Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum.
Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. can be propagated both sexually and vegetatively. The most common method used is by seeding. The seeds are small, light, and have a hard seed coat. Thus, they need light scarification or treatment with concentrated sulfuric acid to increase the rate of germination.
Propagation by seed can be done either by direct seeding or by establishing seedlings in the nursery. Direct seeding involves broadcasting the seeds on a prepared site. The site should have a good soil structure, free from weeds, and should be exposed to direct sunlight. On the other hand, establishing seedlings in a nursery enhances the survival rate of the seedlings.
Another way to propagate Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. is through vegetative means, specifically by stem cuttings. Stem cuttings are taken from mature plants and planted in pots containing moist soil. The cuttings should be placed in a shaded area and watered regularly to avoid desiccation. Vegetative propagation through stem cuttings ensures that genetic purity is maintained, and the resulting plants are identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. is typically resistant to many diseases. However, certain soil-borne diseases such as Rhizoctonia and Fusarium can still affect the plant. To prevent these diseases, rotate the crop annually, use non-infected seeds, and apply fungicides as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Tristachya nodiglumis K.Schum. var. laeviglumis K.Schum. is susceptible to pest infestations. Below are some common pests that could affect the plant, and methods of managing them:
- Aphids: Use insecticidal soaps to control aphids. Alternatively, you can use natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Leafhoppers: Use insecticidal soaps or pyrethrin-based insecticides to get rid of leafhoppers.
- Mites: Apply insecticidal soap or use miticidal sprays to manage mite infestations.
- Cutworms: Apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki to control cutworm larvae.
- Wireworms: Apply entomopathogenic nematodes to the soil to control wireworm larvae.
It is important to regularly monitor the plant and take appropriate action as soon as you notice any signs of pest infestation.
