Overview
Urochloa subquadripara (Trin.) R. Webster is a species of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. This plant is native to South America, specifically Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It is also commonly known as the fourplume signalgrass or palaguin.
Appearance
The fourplume signalgrass is an annual or perennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has a bunch-type growth habit, with a slender stem that typically has only a few nodes. The leaves are green, narrow, and flat, with a prominent midrib and a pointed tip. The inflorescence is a panicle, with four to six racemes that are ascending at maturity. Each raceme contains several spikelets that are arranged in four rows, giving the plant its name.
Uses
Urochloa subquadripara is commonly used for forage and hay production, especially in its native South America. It is known to have good drought tolerance and can survive in poor soils. The plant is also sometimes used as an ornamental grass and is grown for erosion control.
Light Requirements
Urochloa subquadripara requires full sun to grow to its full potential. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may result in stunted growth or reduced seed production. Planting in an area that receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day is ideal for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
Urochloa subquadripara is a warm-season grass and thrives in hot and humid climates. It prefers temperatures ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F) for optimal growth. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 18°C (65°F) and as high as 40°C (104°F).
Soil Requirements
Urochloa subquadripara prefers fertile, well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 5.5-7.5. It can grow in various types of soil, including sandy, loamy, or clay soil, as long as it is well-draining. It does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly-draining soils. Adequate soil moisture is necessary for germination and establishment.
Cultivation of Urochloa subquadripara (Trin.) R. Webster
Urochloa subquadripara (Trin.) R. Webster is a warm-season perennial grass that is commonly grown for forage. It requires a warm and humid climate and grows well in areas with an average annual rainfall of 1000-1500 mm. The plant can be cultivated in most types of soil, but it thrives in well-drained soils with moderate fertility levels.
Watering needs of Urochloa subquadripara (Trin.) R. Webster
Urochloa subquadripara (Trin.) R. Webster requires sufficient water for optimal growth. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the dry season, to ensure that the soil moisture content is maintained at optimal levels. The watering frequency and volume should be adjusted based on the soil type, climate, and growth stage of the plant.
Fertilization of Urochloa subquadripara (Trin.) R. Webster
Urochloa subquadripara (Trin.) R. Webster requires adequate nutrients for optimal growth and forage production. The plant should be fertilized with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium based on the soil test results and the plant's growth stage. In general, the plant requires higher levels of nitrogen during the vegetative stage and lower levels during the reproductive stage. Phosphorus and potassium should be applied at the beginning of the growing season to promote root development and overall plant vigor.
Pruning of Urochloa subquadripara (Trin.) R. Webster
Urochloa subquadripara (Trin.) R. Webster requires regular pruning to maintain its health and forage quality. The plant can be pruned manually using a hand-held pruning tool or mechanically using a brush cutter. Pruning should be done when the plant is at its vegetative stage to promote the growth of new and more tender leaves. The frequency and intensity of pruning should be adjusted based on the plant's growth rate and forage demand.
Propagation of Urochloa subquadripara
Urochloa subquadripara, commonly known as horse-teeth grass, can be propagated by several methods depending on the growth conditions and available resources. Some of the most common propagation methods are:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Urochloa subquadripara can be obtained from mature seed heads, which can be harvested by cutting the stalks just above the seed heads and drying them in a well-ventilated, shaded area until the seeds can be easily separated. The seeds should then be cleaned by removing all the debris and sown in a nursery bed or directly in the field, depending on the intended use. It is advisable to use high-quality seed and sow them at the appropriate depth and spacing for optimal growth and development.
Vegetative propagation
Urochloa subquadripara can also be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings, rhizome division or tillers. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the active growing season, ideally from the basal portion of mature stems. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in nursery beds or directly in the field at the appropriate depth and spacing. Rhizome division involves separating the underground stems, which have buds or shoots, and planting them separately to develop new plants. Tillers can also be cut from the mother plant and planted in well-prepared soil.
Cultural practices
The success of propagation depends not only on the method used, but also on cultural practices such as irrigation, fertilization and pest control. It is important to provide adequate water and nutrients during the establishment phase, as well as to protect the newly propagated plants from pests and diseases. Once established, Urochloa subquadripara is relatively low maintenance and can tolerate some level of drought and poor soil conditions.
Disease Management
Urochloa subquadripara is generally resistant to most diseases. However, several fungal and bacterial diseases can still affect the plant.
One of the most common diseases that can affect U. subquadripara is leaf smut. This disease is characterized by the presence of black powdery spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to plant disease-resistant varieties, avoid overhead irrigation, and remove infected plant debris from the field.
Another disease that can affect U. subquadripara is rust. Rust is caused by a fungal pathogen and is characterized by the presence of orange or reddish-brown spots on the leaves. To manage rust, it is important to avoid overhead irrigation, apply fungicides as directed, and remove infected plant debris from the field.
Anthracnose is another disease that can affect U. subquadripara. This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen and is characterized by the presence of brownish-black lesions on the stems, leaves, and inflorescences. To manage anthracnose, it is important to plant disease-resistant varieties, avoid overhead irrigation, and remove infected plant debris from the field.
Pest Management
Urochloa subquadripara is also susceptible to several pests that can significantly reduce yields. Some of the most common pests that can affect U. subquadripara include stem borers, armyworms, and spittlebugs.
Stem borers are the most damaging pests of U. subquadripara. These pests bore into the stems and can cause significant yield losses. To manage stem borers, it is important to plant early maturing varieties, rotate crops, and remove crop residues after harvest.
Armyworms are another pest that can affect U. subquadripara. These pests feed on the leaves and can cause significant defoliation if not controlled. To manage armyworms, it is important to monitor regularly, apply insecticides as directed, and avoid excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers.
Spittlebugs are also common pests of U. subquadripara. These pests feed on the sap and excrete a white foam around their bodies. Although spittlebugs generally do not cause significant yield losses, they can reduce the quality of the forage. To manage spittlebugs, it is important to monitor regularly and apply insecticides as directed.
