Origin of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D.Webster
Urochloa decumbens is a perennial, tufted grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Africa, specifically in the savannas and grasslands of tropical and subtropical regions. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Latin America, where it has become naturalized.
Common Names
Urochloa decumbens has several common names depending on the region. In Africa, it is commonly known as signal grass or stargrass, while in Latin America, it is known as "Estrella de África" or African star.
Uses of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D.Webster
Urochloa decumbens has various uses in agriculture, especially in livestock production. As a forage grass, it is highly valued for its high productivity and nutritive value. It is suitable for grazing, haymaking, and silage making. It is also used for erosion control, as it has an extensive root system that helps stabilize soil.
The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and snakebites, among others. The leaves and stems contain compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
General Appearance of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D.Webster
Urochloa decumbens is a tall, erect grass that can grow up to 150 cm tall. It has a robust root system with a deep taproot and extensive lateral roots. The stems are cylindrical and can grow up to 5 mm in diameter. The leaves are flat, lance-shaped, and can grow up to 50 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The inflorescence is a panicle, which can grow up to 50 cm long and consists of several spikelets. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the seeds are small, elliptical, and brown in color.
Growth Conditions for Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D.Webster
Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D.Webster, commonly known as signal grass, is a warm-season perennial grass that is highly adaptable to a range of environmental conditions. It is dominant in tropical and subtropical regions, and can be found in both the Americas and Africa.
Light Requirements
Urochloa decumbens grows well under full sunlight. The ideal condition for its growth is an average of 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day. It is essential for the process of photosynthesis, which helps the plant produce the energy required for growth and reproduction.
Temperature Requirements
Urochloa decumbens grows well in warm temperatures, with an optimal temperature range of 25°C to 32°C. It can tolerate temperatures up to 40°C, but lower temperatures can limit its growth. Frost can also damage the plant, and therefore, it is not suitable for regions that experience winter frost.
Soil Requirements
Urochloa decumbens thrives in well-drained and fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, it does not grow well in waterlogged soils with poor drainage. The soil should be rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential nutrients required for its growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Urochloa decumbens prefers warm, humid conditions and can thrive in various soil types, including sandy and clay soils. It can be cultivated through seed propagation or vegetative propagation, which involves planting stem cuttings or root sprouts. For seed propagation, the seeds should be sown at a shallow depth in moist soil and covered lightly with mulch. The germination period may vary depending on the environmental conditions. It is recommended to plant the seeds during the rainy season to ensure sufficient moisture for growth.
Watering Needs
Urochloa decumbens requires consistent watering, especially during the first few months of growth. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can lead to root rot. During the dry season, regular watering should be maintained to prevent dehydration and promote healthy growth.
Fertilization
Urochloa decumbens is a heavy feeder, and regular fertilization is necessary to ensure optimal growth and production. The plant requires high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other micronutrients. Slow-release fertilizers rich in these nutrients can be applied every 2-3 months, depending on soil conditions and plant growth. It is recommended to conduct a soil test to determine the specific nutrient requirements for your plant.
Pruning
Urochloa decumbens does not require extensive pruning, but occasional trimming can help to promote new growth and prevent overgrowth. Dead or damaged foliage should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, pruning can help to control the height and shape of the plant, ensuring a more visually appealing appearance.
Propagation of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D.Webster
Urochloa decumbens, also known as Buffelgrass, is a warm-season grass that is native to Africa but has been widely introduced to other regions, including South and Central America, the Caribbean, and southern United States. This plant is commonly used for pasture, hay, and erosion control. Propagation of Urochloa decumbens can be done through two main methods:
Propagation by Seed
One of the most common methods of propagating Urochloa decumbens is through seed. The plant produces seeds that are housed in spikelets, and each spikelet can contain up to ten seeds. Seeds can be harvested from mature plants once they have fully ripened and turned brown. The seeds can be sown directly in the field or transplanted to containers to be grown in a nursery. It is important to ensure that seeds are sown at the right depth and spaced appropriately to allow for healthy growth. Seeds should be sown during the wet season when soil moisture is high, promoting better seedling establishment.
Propagation by Vegetative Means
Propagation of Urochloa decumbens can also be done through vegetative means. This includes stem and root cuttings. Stem cuttings are taken from mature plants, and root cuttings can be taken when thinning out an established stand. When propagating through root cuttings, a few nodes should be present in each piece, ensuring that it has the potential to sprout new shoots. Root cuttings can be started in the field, or in a nursery before transplanting to the field. Vegetative propagation is ideal for maintaining desired grass characteristics, such as disease resistance, forage quality, and yield potential.
In conclusion, Urochloa decumbens can be propagated through seed and vegetative methods. Depending on the intended goals, one method may be more suitable than the other.
Disease Management
Urochloa decumbens is commonly affected by various diseases that can deteriorate the plant's health and productivity. One of the most common diseases is rust, which appears as yellow or orange pustules on leaves. Rust can be managed by initiating crop rotation, removing and destroying infected plants, and utilizing fungicides like tebuconazole and propiconazole.
Another prevalent disease that affects Urochloa decumbens is Anthracnose, a fungal disease that appears as reddish- brown lesions on leaves and stems. To manage Anthracnose, it is essential to maintain field cleanliness, avoid overcrowding, and employ fungicides such as thiophanate-methyl and mancozeb.
Smut is another disease that can cause significant damage to the plant. It shows up as black, powdery masses on leaves, stems, and grain heads. Crop rotation, removal and destruction of infected plant parts, and avoiding excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers are essential in managing smut. Fungicides such as carbendazim and propiconazole can be used to suppress the smut disease.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Urochloa decumbens can be affected by various pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. One common pest that affects the plant is the fall armyworm, which appears as dark-colored caterpillars and can cause significant damage to the leaves and stems. To manage the pest, it is vital to avoid over-fertilization, clean field maintenance, and employing biological methods like installing pheromone traps.
The African black beetle is another pest that affects Urochloa decumbens. The pest damages the roots and crowns of the plant, causing the planting to die eventually. To manage the African black beetle, it is essential to avoid overwatering, implement crop rotation, and use insecticides such as fipronil and imidacloprid.
The grasshopper is another pest that can attack Urochloa decumbens and cause significant damage. Grasshoppers feed on leaves and stems, and at a significant number, will bring about considerable yield loss. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use insecticides such as acephate and cyfluthrin or encourage the population of natural predators like birds and praying mantis by planting preys of these species in the field.
