Origin
×Elytesion schaackianum (Bowden) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey is a hybrid grass species that is believed to have originated in North America. It is a cross between two species, Elymus glaucus and Elymus trachycaulus, both of which are native to the United States.
Common Names
×Elytesion schaackianum is commonly known by several names including Schaack’s wheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, and alkali wildrye.
Uses
×Elytesion schaackianum is used in several ways. Its seeds are used for erosion control, as well as for wildlife habitat and forage. It is also used as a forage crop for livestock. The plant is tolerant to saline soils, making it ideal for reclamation projects in arid and semi-arid regions. Additionally, ×Elytesion schaackianum is used in ornamental landscaping, due to its fine texture and blue-green color.
General Appearance
×Elytesion schaackianum is a cool-season perennial grass that grows up to 90cm in height. Its leaves are flat and narrow, measuring 1–2mm in width. The blades are blue-green in color, and the leaf sheath is typically hairy. The spikelets are arranged in narrow, upright panicles and are typically 2–5cm in length. The seeds are oval in shape and measure 3–6mm in length.
Light Requirements
The plant ×Elytesion schaackianum (Bowden) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey prefers full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. The plant is adapted to areas with high luminosity and does not thrive in shady or low light conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to plant it in an open area exposed to direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The growth and development of the plant ×Elytesion schaackianum (Bowden) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey are influenced by temperature. The plant thrives in warm to hot climatic conditions with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The minimum temperature required for the plant to grow is 20°C, whereas the maximum sustainable temperature is 40°C. Extreme temperature variations could lead to stunted growth and the death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant ×Elytesion schaackianum (Bowden) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey can grow on different soil types, but it prefers well-draining soils with high fertility. The plant grows best in medium to light textured soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH range for optimal growth is between 5.5 to 7.5, and the soil's electrical conductivity (EC) should be lower than 4.0 dS/m. The plant does not tolerate acidic soils or waterlogged soils that can cause damage to the roots.
Cultivation Methods
×Elytesion schaackianum is a cool-season grass that needs plenty of sunlight for its optimum growth. The plant prefers well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It can tolerate drought conditions and temperatures below freezing.
Watering Needs
Proper watering must be provided to ×Elytesion schaackianum to avoid desiccation of foliage and root system. The plants should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing 1-2 inches of the soil to dry out between each watering. Avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
To maintain healthy growth, ×Elytesion schaackianum requires a balanced fertilizer application. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer with a ratio of 3:1:2 (nitrogen: phosphorus: potassium) at the beginning of the growing season. Reapply the same fertilizer twice during the active growth period or use a slow-release fertilizer as directed.
Pruning
Pruning grasses like ×Elytesion schaackianum is optional, but it can encourage healthier and fuller growth. Cut back to about 3 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before the new growth commences. Alternatively, the previous year's growth may be left to protect the plant from the cold winter weather.
Propagation of Elytesion schaackianum Plant
Propagation of Elytesion schaackianum plant can be done either by seeds or vegetative means.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Elytesion schaackianum plant are produced in late summer. To propagate the plant through seeds, it is advisable to collect the seeds shortly after they are ripe. Prior to seeding, it is recommended that the soil be prepared well in advance. The soil should be well-drained, and the topsoil should be loosened by using a garden fork. Afterward, the seeds should be sown to a depth of ¼ inch. It is advisable to water the seeds once they are planted and to keep the soil damp until germination occurs. Usually, germination takes between 3 to 4 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
The vegetative means of propagation of Elytesion schaackianum plant is through root division. This method of propagation involves separating sections of rhizomes containing roots and replanting them. For this method to be successful, it is important to ensure that the rhizomes are healthy, and the roots are well-developed. The separated rhizomes should be planted in soil that is moist and fertile. Afterward, the soil should be watered, and the rhizomes should be kept in a cool and shaded environment. The new plant should start to sprout within two weeks.
Disease Management
Plant diseases are a common concern for growers of ×Elytesion schaackianum. Some of the common diseases affecting this plant include:
- Fusarium wilt: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of leaves and stems. The disease is spread through soil-borne fungal spores. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove infected plants immediately, avoid overwatering, and maintain proper soil drainage. Additionally, growers should apply fungicides to protect healthy plants from infection.
- Crown rot: This is a soil-borne disease that affects the base of the plant, causing decay of the crown. Crown rot can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage this disease, growers should plant the crop in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Additionally, they should remove infected plants immediately and apply a fungicide to protect healthy plants from infection.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing a powdery white coating on the surface of the leaves. This disease can be managed by increasing air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Growers should also apply fungicides early in the season to protect healthy plants from infection.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect ×Elytesion schaackianum. Here are some common pests and how to manage them:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can damage the leaves and stems of the plant, causing stunting and deformation. One way to manage aphids is to remove them manually by blasting them with water. Alternatively, growers can use insecticidal sprays or introduce beneficial insects that prey on aphids, such as ladybugs or lacewings.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and mottling of the leaves of the plant. To manage spider mites, growers can introduce predatory mites or other insects that feed on spider mites. They can also use a neem oil spray to kill the pests.
- Whiteflies: These small, winged insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves of the plant. To manage whiteflies, growers can introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps or use sticky traps to catch the insects. Additionally, they can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
