Urochloa

Description

Urochloa is a genus of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. This grass genus is commonly known as signal grass or brachiaria. Urochloa has around 100 species, with some being cultivated as forage or pasture grasses.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Urochloa grasses are perennial and have a tufted growth habit. The leaves are flat and narrow, with a glossy and smooth surface. The inflorescence is a panicle that can range from 5 to 30 cm in length. The flowers are spikelets that are arranged in pairs and have one fertile floret and one sterile floret. The seeds are small and have a tough outer layer that makes them resistant to environmental stressors like drought and fire.

Care Guide

Urochloa grasses require a moderate amount of care to thrive. Here are some tips:

• Water: Urochloa can tolerate drought but prefers moist soil. Water deeply once a week or more often during hot and dry weather.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen during the growing season. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and frequency.
• Soil: Urochloa prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
• Sunlight: Urochloa requires full sun to grow and thrive. Plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Hardiness Zones: Urochloa is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Urochloa grasses are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be affected by:

• Fungal diseases: such as leaf spot, rust, and smut.
• Insect pests: such as armyworms, cutworms, and grasshoppers.
• Nematodes: microscopic worms that can damage the roots.

To prevent and manage these issues, practice good cultural practices like proper watering and fertilization, as well as regular monitoring and treatment with appropriate pesticides or fungicides.

Habitat

Urochloa grasses are adapted to a wide range of habitats, from savannas and grasslands to forests and wetlands. They can grow in a variety of soil types, from sandy and loamy to clayey and rocky. They are also tolerant of periodic flooding and fire, making them important components of natural ecosystems.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Urochloa a good forage grass?

A: Yes, some species of Urochloa are cultivated as forage or pasture grasses because of their high nutritional value and palatability for livestock.

Q: Can Urochloa grow in shade?

A: No, Urochloa requires full sun to grow and thrive.

Q: How often should I fertilize Urochloa?

A: Apply a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen during the growing season. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and frequency.

Q: Is Urochloa invasive?

A: Some species of Urochloa can become invasive in certain regions, displacing native vegetation and altering ecosystem dynamics. However, not all species exhibit this behavior.

Related Plants

• Panicum
• Dichanthium
• Andropogon
• Cynodon
• Paspalum

References

• Clayton, W. D., Vorontsova, M. S., Harman, K. T., Williamson, H., & Renvoize, S. A. (2016). GrassBase – The Online World Grass Flora. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. http://www.kew.org/data/grasses-db.html
• Nobrega, L. H. P. (2012). Brachiaria (signalgrass). In R. M. Hernández (Ed.), Molecular Breeding of Forage and Turf (pp. 247-276). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2255-8_11
• Silva, J. B. C., & Santos, A. D. (2012). Brachiaria: Biology, Agronomy, and Improvement. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4117-4