Overview of Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov.
Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov. is a plant species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is an annual or perennial grass native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, namely Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
The grass is commonly known as Commelina Signalgrass, Commelina Urochloa, and Buffalo Grass. In some regions of Africa, it is also referred to as "Esinamwanga" in Swahili.
Appearance
Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov. has a prostrate growth habit, with roots that can grow up to 70 cm deep into the soil. It has long, narrow, and pointed leaves that are greenish-grey in color, with a sharp point at the tip. The grass can grow up to 40 cm in height and produces many culms with sharp nodes and spreading branches. The inflorescences are panicles, which can vary from 5 to 30 cm in length, and can bear up to 1500 seeds.
Uses
The grass is used for pasture and hay, as it has good palatability and high nutritive value for animals. It is a preferred food source for livestock, including cattle and sheep. The grass also has the ability to tolerate drought, making it well-suited for arid and semi-arid regions where water is scarce. Additionally, Commelina Signalgrass can be used for soil conservation and erosion control, due to its intricately branched root system and ability to cover the ground densely. The grass has also been used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as malaria and fevers.
Growth Conditions for Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov.
Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov., commonly known as Guinea grass, is a warm-season perennial grass that is well-adapted to tropical and subtropical conditions. It is a fast-growing grass with a high level of tolerance to drought and grazing pressure.
Light Requirements
Guinea grass requires full sun to grow. It is a C4 plant, which means it is highly efficient at photosynthesis and can tolerate high light intensities. Shade can reduce the growth and productivity of Guinea grass, so it is important to plant it in a location with plenty of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Guinea grass performs best in temperatures between 20°C and 35°C, with optimal growth occurring at around 30°C. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 40°C and as low as 10°C, but growth may slow down under extreme conditions. In areas with cold winters, Guinea grass may go dormant or lose its leaves, but it will regrow when the temperature warms up.
Soil Requirements
Guinea grass can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. It prefers soils that are alkaline or neutral (pH between 6.0 and 7.5), but can tolerate slightly acidic soils. It is important to note that Guinea grass can accumulate high levels of potassium, so it may be necessary to supplement potassium-deficient soils.
Cultivation Methods
The Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov. plant is a tropical grass species that is highly adaptable and is suitable for cultivation in a variety of soils. It can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings. The plant prefers a sunny location and grows well in areas with a temperature range of 20 to 35 degrees Celsius.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist. During the growing season, the plant should be watered regularly, but during the dormant season, watering should be reduced. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot problems.
Fertilization
The Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov. plant requires regular fertilization to maintain optimum growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant every three months during the growing season.
Pruning
Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov. is a fast-growing plant that requires regular pruning to control its growth and maintain its shape. Prune the plant regularly to prevent it from becoming too tall and leggy. Cut back any dead or damaged stems to promote new growth. Cut back the plant after the growing season to stimulate new growth in the next season.
Propagation of Urochloa Sclerochlaena Chiov. var. Commelinoides Chiov.
Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov. is commonly propagated through its vegetative parts. Different methods for propagating the plant are:
Propagation through Seed
The propagation of Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov. through seed is one of the most popular methods. It requires proper seed collection, which is usually done when the seed reaches its maturity and the color of the spikelet turns brown. After collection, the seeds are cleaned and stored in a dry and cool place where they can last up to six months. Germination of seeds can be slow and erratic, and the seedling growth can also be slow.
Propagation through Vegetative Cuttings
The propagation of Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov. through vegetative cuttings is also a common method. Stem cuttings of about 15-20 cm long with a minimum of two nodes are collected from healthy and mature plants. The cuttings are then treated with rooting hormones to promote rooting and are planted in well-prepared soil or in a rooting medium in a nursery. The cuttings take root within 2-4 weeks, and the plants can be transplanted to the desired location after 6-8 weeks.
Propagation through Division
The propagation of Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov. can also be done through division. This method involves dividing the clumps of the plant into smaller portions and replanting them to new locations. The division is usually done during the dormant season, and the separated plants can be transplanted immediately after division. This method is best suited for plants that have large clumps or are not easily propagated by other means.
Disease management
Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov. is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and panicles of the plant, causing lesions and eventually death of the affected parts. Managing anthracnose includes removing and destroying infected plant parts, practicing crop rotation, and applying fungicides.
- Bacterial leaf blight: This bacterial disease causes water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which later turn brown and cause the leaves to wither. Management options include removing and destroying infected plant parts, practicing crop rotation, and applying copper-based fungicides.
- Leaf rust: This fungal disease appears as yellow-orange pustules on the leaves, eventually causing them to turn yellow and die. Management involves removing and destroying infected leaves, practicing crop rotation, and applying fungicides.
Pest management
The plant is also susceptible to a few pests, including:
- Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are a common pest that chew on the leaves and stems of Urochloa sclerochlaena Chiov. var. commelinoides Chiov. To manage grasshoppers, use barriers and repellents, remove weeds where they lay their eggs, and apply insecticides that are known to be effective against grasshoppers.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stems of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. Management options include practicing crop rotation, using biological controls such as parasitic wasps, and applying insecticides.
