Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen
Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen is a species of grass in the family Poaceae, and it is commonly known as sprawling signalgrass or blanket grass. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world including Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, and parts of North America.
General Appearance
The plant is an annual or perennial grass that can grow up to one meter in height. The leaves are flat and narrow, with a length of 2-3 cm and a width of 2-4 mm. The inflorescence is a panicle, up to 15 cm long, and the spikelets are ovate or oblong in shape.
Uses
Urochloa ramosa is primarily used for forage, hay, and grazing. The plant is high in protein and is known for its tolerance to drought and harsh growing conditions. It is also used medicinally in various traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of several ailments but more research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness. Additionally, the plant has been studied for its potential as a biofuel source.
Common Names
The plant is known by different common names, depending on the region. Some of the common names include Sprawling signalgrass, Blanket grass, Buffalograss, Summergrass, and Kapus.
Light Requirements
Urochloa ramosa requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but excessive shade may inhibit growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature for the growth of Urochloa ramosa is between 25-30°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C and as high as 40°C, but extreme temperatures may affect its growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Urochloa ramosa grows well in a range of soils, but prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5-8.0. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. The plant can also grow in saline soils but will require additional management for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Urochloa ramosa is a warm-season grass that requires full sun and well-draining soil. It is usually propagated through seedlings and vegetative means. Seedlings can be started in a greenhouse or nursery and transplanted to the field when they are about 6 to 8 weeks old. Vegetative propagation involves cutting the stems and planting them in the field. The best time for planting is during the rainy season or when there is sufficient moisture in the soil.
Watering Needs
Urochloa ramosa requires moderate to high amounts of water. Irrigation should be done when the soil is dry to a depth of about 2 inches. It is important to water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Shallow watering can result in stunted growth and poor yield. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Urochloa ramosa requires regular fertilization to thrive. A balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied at the rate of 50 kg per hectare. Fertilizers should be applied in split doses during different growth stages. Nitrogen is most important during the vegetative stage while phosphorus and potassium are essential during flowering and grain filling stages.
Pruning
Urochloa ramosa does not require regular pruning. However, it is important to remove dead and diseased stems to prevent the spread of diseases. Harvesting should be done at the flowering stage when the seed heads have turned brown and the grain has hardened. The stems should be cut close to the ground to encourage regrowth.
Propagation of Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen
Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen, commonly known as "Tanner grass," is a tropical, perennial, and vigorous grass species. It is a highly palatable and nutritive forage for livestock and widely used as a pasture grass.
Propagation Methods for Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen
The propagation of Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen can be accomplished through various methods, including:
1. Seeds Propagation
The most common method of propagating Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature plants and stored properly to ensure maximum viability. The seeds can be sown in raised beds or seedbeds in well-drained soil. Prior to planting, the seeds should be scarified or soaked in water for 24 hours to increase germination rates. In optimal conditions, germination occurs within 7 to 10 days of sowing.
2. Vegetative Propagation
Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen can also be easily propagated through vegetative methods such as stem cuttings and root divisions. Mature and healthy plant materials should be selected for cutting or division. The cutting or division should be free from pests and diseases. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in well-prepared soil under optimal conditions for rooting success.
3. Tissue Culture Propagation
Recent studies have shown that Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen can be efficiently propagated through tissue culture methods. Tissue culture propagation can be used to rapidly produce multiple plants from a single parent plant. It involves the in vitro cultivation of plant tissues in a nutrient-rich agar medium. The tissue-culture process, however, requires specialized facilities and equipment and is relatively expensive.
Overall, Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture propagation. Farmers should select the most appropriate method based on their production goals, resources, and local conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen
Urochloa ramosa (L.) Nguyen, also known as browntop millet, is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but there are still some things to watch out for in order to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
Common Pests
The armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the primary pests that can cause damage to Urochloa ramosa. This insect is a voracious feeder that can cause significant damage if left unchecked. To manage this pest, it is recommended to remove and destroy any affected plants. Additionally, it can be helpful to use insecticides and plant resistant varieties of browntop millet.
The stem borer, Chilo partellus, is another insect that can cause damage to the plant. This pest attacks the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use insecticides and to plant resistant varieties of Urochloa ramosa.
Common Diseases
There are several diseases that can affect Urochloa ramosa, including leaf blight, smut, and foot rot. Leaf blight, caused by the fungus Helminthosporium spp., causes necrotic lesions on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to use fungicides and to remove and destroy any affected plant tissue.
Smut, caused by the fungus Ustilago spp., forms black, powdery masses on the inflorescences of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy any affected plant tissue and to use fungicides.
Foot rot, caused by the fungus Sclerotium hydrophilum, causes the lower portion of the stem to rot and eventually die. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy any affected plant tissue and to plant resistant varieties of Urochloa ramosa.
