Urochloa panicoides

Urochloa panicoides
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Genus: Urochloa
Species: U. panicoides
Binomial name
Urochloa panicoides

Urochloa panicoides is a fodder grass originating in Southern Africa.

Contents

Synonyms

Description

Urochloa setigera can be confused with forms of U. panicoides with pubescent, paired spikelets, especially when the base is missing. Urochloa panicoides has less abruptly cuspidate spikelets, a more coarsely rugose fertile floret, and a much longer mucro on the upper lemma.

Distribution

Native to southern Africa.

Ecology

Moist grasslands, lakesides up to an altitude of 140-2200 m.

Usage

A weed and a potential seed contaminant. Though often used as a fodder grass for both cattle and horses.

Diseases and Pests

This grass is susceptible to the Maize streak virus (MSV) (which is also called bajra streak, cereal African streak virus, maize streak A virus). This virus is transmitted by the following Cicadellidae insect species: Cicadulina mbila, Cicadulina arachidis, Cicadulina, Cicadulina triangula, Cicadulina bimaculata, Cicadulina similis, Cicadulina latens, Cicadulina ghaurii, Cicadulina parazeae. It is also susceptible to the Cereal chlorotic mottle nucleorhabdovirus. This too is transmitted by insects: Nesoclutha pallida, Cicadula bimaculata, Cicadulina bipunctata ssp. Bipunctella.

names in other languages

The following forms are recorded for this grass:

References

  1. ^ Neue Entdeckungen im Ganzen Umfang der Pflanzenkunde 2: 84. 1821.. 2:84. 1821. Duthie, Fodder Grasses 8. 1888.
  2. ^ Clayton, W.D., Harman, K.T. and Williamson, H. (2006 onwards). "'Urochloa panicoides". GrassBase - The Online World Grass Flora. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. http://www.kew.org/data/grasses-db/www/imp10723.htm.