Overview
Urochloa lata (Schumach.) C.E.Hubb. is a species of tropical grass in the family Poaceae. It is a common forage crop in several parts of the world and has several common names.
Origin and Distribution
Urochloa lata is indigenous to Africa and is found in many tropical regions. It is a dominant species in tropical savannas and grasslands. It has been introduced to various countries including Brazil, India, the United States, and Australia. In Brazil, it is grown as a forage crop and in India, it is used for reclamation of degraded lands.
Common Names
Urochloa lata is known by several common names including:
- Kakuli grass
- Dallis grass
- Jungle rice
- Totoite grass
- Warm-season grass
Uses
Urochloa lata is highly valued as a forage grass for livestock. It is a particularly good forage grass for mulch and erosion control. The plant is also useful in improving soil fertility and is used for reclamation of degraded lands. Urochloa lata is also used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments including malaria, fever, and jaundice.
General Appearance
Urochloa lata is a highly branched grass that grows up to 1.5 m tall. The leaves are flat, broad, and can grow up to 15 cm long. The blades are green to grayish-green in color. The inflorescence is a panicle that can grow up to 25 cm long. The seeds are small and brown in color. The plant has a fibrous root system that can grow up to 2 m deep, making it able to withstand drought conditions.
Light Requirements
Urochloa lata is a warm-season grass and it requires full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Lack of adequate sunlight may result in poor growth and stunted development of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Urochloa lata prefers warm temperatures for growth. It thrives well in areas where the temperature ranges between 20 to 32°C. The grass can tolerate slightly higher temperatures but is not frost-tolerant. Therefore, it is recommended to plant U. lata in summers to allow the grass to grow to its full potential.
Soil Requirements
Urochloa lata can grow well in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining loamy soils. The soil pH should range between 5.5 to 7.5, and the soil texture must be sandy loam or silty clay loam. It can tolerate slightly acid soils, but highly acidic or alkaline soils can stunt its growth. The plant should be grown in soils that have good moisture retention capacity to ensure consistent hydration for healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods of Urochloa Lata (Schumach.) C.E.Hubb.
Urochloa lata (Schumach.) C.E.Hubb., commonly known as Guinea grass, is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant that thrives in warm climates, especially in subtropical and tropical regions. It can be cultivated by sowing seeds or planting vegetative propagules.
The best time for sowing is during the rainy season or at the onset of the monsoon. The seeds should be sown in well-prepared soil at a depth of 1 to 2 cm. The ideal soil pH for Urochloa lata is between 5.5 and 7.0.
Watering Needs of Urochloa Lata (Schumach.) C.E.Hubb.
Urochloa lata requires adequate water supply for optimal growth and development. It should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as it may lead to waterlogging and root rot.
The frequency of watering should be determined by the prevailing climatic conditions, soil type, and stage of growth. Generally, the plant needs about 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
Fertilization of Urochloa Lata (Schumach.) C.E.Hubb.
Fertilization is essential for Urochloa lata as it is a heavy feeder. The plant responds well to nitrogen-rich fertilizers, but it also requires phosphorus and potassium in smaller quantities.
The first application of fertilizer should be done at the time of planting, followed by subsequent applications after every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
A balanced NPK fertilizer with a ratio of 3:1:2 is suitable for Urochloa lata cultivation.
Pruning of Urochloa Lata (Schumach.) C.E.Hubb.
Pruning is not required for Urochloa lata as it is a fast-growing grass that can reach a height of up to 2 meters. However, it is recommended to mow the grass regularly to keep it at a manageable height.
The best time for mowing is when the grass has reached a height of 60 to 75 cm. The cut grass can be used for animal feed or as mulch.
Propagation of Urochloa lata (Schumach.) C.E.Hubb.
Urochloa lata (Schumach.) C.E.Hubb. or Guinea grass is a fast-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Poaceae family. The plant is native to Africa and has been widely cultivated for its nutritious forage. Here are the propagation methods for Urochloa lata:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and reliable way to propagate Urochloa lata. The seeds are readily available in the market and can be sown during the rainy season. The seeds should be collected from healthy and mature plants in the early morning and should be immediately sown on well-prepared seedbeds. The seedbeds should be watered regularly, and the seedlings should be transplanted to the main field after 4-6 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Urochloa lata can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings and root division. Stem cuttings should be collected from healthy plants and should be planted in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and new shoots will emerge in 2-3 weeks. Root division is another common method used for propagating Urochloa lata. The plant should be dug out carefully, and the roots should be divided into 4-5 inch clumps. The clumps should be planted in the main field, and regular watering is required until new growth appears.
Cultural practices for propagation
Effective cultural practices are crucial for the successful propagation of Urochloa lata. Prior to planting, the soil should be plowed and harrowed to create a fine seedbed. The seedbed should be leveled, and a basal dose of fertilizers should be applied. Proper irrigation should be provided during the initial stages, and weeds should be removed manually or by using herbicides. Additionally, the plant should be regularly pruned to encourage new growth and increase yield.
Disease and Pest Management for Urochloa Lata
Urochloa lata (Schumach.) C.E.Hubb. is a grass species that is commonly grown for forage production. As with any other crop, it is vulnerable to different diseases and pests that can affect its overall productivity. Proper disease and pest management is essential to keep the plant healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Urochloa lata is leaf spot. This disease is caused by the fungus Bipolaris maydis and is characterized by small, circular lesions on the leaves that can coalesce and cause defoliation. Another disease that can affect the plant is rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia spp. Rust presents as small, red-brown pustules on the leaves, which can also lead to defoliation and reduce the overall yield of the plant.
Disease Management
Proper management of leaf spot and rust is crucial to maintain healthy Urochloa lata plants. The following measures can be taken to prevent and manage these diseases:
- Crop rotation: This is an effective measure to reduce the incidence of diseases, including leaf spot and rust.
- Cultural practices: This includes practices such as proper spacing between plants, adequate water management, and use of appropriate fertilizers.
- Chemical control: Fungicides can be used to prevent and manage leaf spot and rust. However, chemical use should be minimized to reduce the risk of environmental contamination.
Common Pests
Urochloa lata is also vulnerable to pests that can affect its productivity. One of the most common pests on the plant is the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). The larvae of this pest feed on the leaves, causing defoliation and reducing the yield of the plant. Another pest that can affect Urochloa lata is the green leafhopper (Empoasca spp.). This pest feeds on the plant sap, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.
Pest Management
The following measures can be taken to prevent and manage fall armyworm and green leafhopper infestations:
- Biological control: This involves the use of natural predators, parasites, and pathogens to control pest populations. Biological control is a preferred method as it is environmentally friendly.
- Cultural practices: Practices such as intercropping, crop rotation, and proper plant nutrition can help prevent pest infestations.
- Chemical control: Insecticides can be used to control fall armyworm and green leafhopper populations. However, their use should be minimized to prevent the emergence of resistant pest populations.
Overall, a combination of these measures can help prevent and manage disease and pest infestations on Urochloa lata, thereby promoting healthy and productive plants.
