Cogongrass, also called Japgrass, blady grass, spear-grass, alang-alang, and lalang-alang, is a C4, rhizoma-tous, perennial weed with culms that grow erect to as-cending and typically reaches heights of 1.2 m but can grow to heights of 3 m (Brown 1944; Holm et al. Since, the small cross sectional area acuminate point of the cogon grass rhizome is due to a bract, the tip of the rhizome point will always retain its sharpness as if something damages the point on the bract (Fig. Treating large areas of cogon grass … The grass spreads through rhizomes and seed production, forming dense mats. by teasing the root ball apart and shaking the dry mix out. First, cogongrass infestations usually occur in circular patches. Several cultivars exist which aren’t very invasive, such as the ‘Red Baron’ bloodgrass. from a single node. It is extremely flammable creating hazardous prescribed burning and wildfire conditions. rhizomes and as little soil as possible. Very difficult, due to the extensive root system. 2004; Onokpise et al., 2007). 1977; Hubbard 1944). field studies that are not well documented and infer about the damage created. thicker (up to 5 mm) and much more succulent than the cogon grass rhizome. were still visible at the site of penetration. On was with held 3 days before harvest, which permitted the soil mass to dry. These observations The seed head (Figure 3) is fluffy, white, and plume-like. ), is a very aggressive exotic perennial grass that entered Alabama in 1911 in packing material from Japan. The rhizomes are responsible for long-term survival and short-distance spread of cogongrass. Cogongrass has a very substantial rhizome root system. 1). The maiden cane rhizome was much deal with cogon grass rhizomes alone and in combination with maiden cane rhizomes. is normally superior to the soil (Beard, 1972). Rhizomes are Cogon grass is a C4 grass found mainly in tropical and subtropical areas with 75 to 500 cm of annual rainfall (Bryson, 1999). of the rhizome of maiden cane by the rhizome of cogon grass. It … This has led to the common name of spear grass in Nigeria (Chikoye and Ervin (2006) indicated that most of the reports of perforation are from One reason cogongrass bounces back so strongly after a fire is that the underground rhizome system remains unscathed by fires above ground. upper few cm of the soil, while Bermuda grass has a wiry rhizome or stolon that It has an extensive fibrous root system Cogongrass spreads through its creeping rhizome system and seed production. Once established it’s very difficult to eliminate. the maiden cane rhizome appeared split and did not appear to have other damage. (Beard, 1972; Esau, 1977). These observations on the characteristics of cogon grass rhizomes, with the description of the apex of the bract covering the rhizome, help support understand the common name of spear grass that is used in Nigeria and help provide insight into the aggressive nature of this plant species. the harvest date, the plant mass was removed from the pot, the potting mix removed Some strands are native to East Africa, as well. Imperata cylindrica is a truly outstanding ornamental grass that originated in tropical East Asia. meristem between nodes (Esau, 1977). Project was supported in part from a USDA-CSREES 1890 Capacity Grant No. Holly and Ervin (2006) provided the only empirical The leaves resemble ribbons with flat edge, straight and … Long-distance spread is accomplished through seed pro- lelopathy) play in cogongrass invasion. Thanks to Aaron Judson for assisting in managing greenhouse plants. Striking and eye-catching with its brilliant crimson leaves, Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' is a very distinctive ornamental grass. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. “If cogongrass is ignored, it will continue to spread rapidly, not only at the infested site but surrounding land as well,” Byrd said. evidence of the penetration of other below ground plant parts by cogon grass cogon grass rhizome was flattened at the areas of penetration and several bracts The rhizome extends into the soil by means of expansion of the intercalary grass rhizomes, in present study. The root system has a distinct “toothpick” root … ), family Poaceae, is an invasive, Giant feather grass, advice on caring for it, Russian olive tree, an invasive species in America, how to control it. It is on the Federal list of noxious weeds and is designated as the world’s seventh worst weed. Normally, varieties like the Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ don’t go to seed easily. point on the rhizome and the scaly bracts that covering the rhizome (lower Each bract arises Rhizomes of cogon grass may be transported to new sites in contaminated fill dirt or by equipment used in infested areas. There are several layers of leafy bracts enclosing the tip of the rhizome and for some distance back. When this happens, it becomes difficult to control cogon grass’s spread. – Cogon grass will eliminate other desirable species of grass. Many cultures have found uses for the flowers and roots this herb in … While colonization among people is often subject to debate, regarding plants it can sometimes be dramatic. The root is astringent, antifebrile, antivinous, diuretic, emollient, haemostatic, restorative and tonic. 18 CHAPTER 2 S PECTRAL DETECTION OF AN INVASIVE GRASS SPECIES (COGONGRASS) AND ITS EFFECT ON HERBACEOUS VEGETATION CHARACTERISTICS IN AN EXPERIMENTAL SETTING Introduction Cogongrass ( Imperata cylindrica ) is a rhizomatous, perennial grass native to tropical and subtropical areas of Asia (Bryson & Carter, 1993) Cogongrass was initially planted in the southeastern … University of Queensland and IRRI. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. During a competition study between I. cylindrica and native grasses, where the plants were grown in 30 cm pots, under greenhouse conditions, the underground systems were harvested by removing the root ball from the pot, then removing the potting mixture in order to un-potted for determination of length and weight of rhizomes and roots. As the meristem extends, the bract becomes distal to the meristem, which will now have a new bract covering. daily. In fact, at least 60% of the total plant biomass is often found below the soil surface. of subarin, which indicates healing of the tissue and sealing against pathogens. Thanks to people like you who do it, they can create the map below, accurate down to county level. Several distinctive features aid in the identification of cogongrass. Imperata cylindrica, a colonizer with blood-red blades… of grass! While cogon grass can penetrate other below ground parts of other species of plants, it does not appear to provide for major damage. (n = 45) with a range from 1.2 to 2 cm. Burning won’t eliminate the plant. Maiden The ability of the rhizome to penetrate soil is dependent on the sharpness of the tip. Cogon grass reproduces asexually by rhizomes and sexually by seeds (Hubbard et al., 1944). by pathogens. According to the efficacy data from the manufacturer, 2% of ABS Imperata Cylindrica Extract (the trade name of the diluted version of the root extract) is able to increase the level of skin moisturization by almost 45%, which is 88% more effective than the untreated control. Seed heads range from 2 to 8 inches in length and can … It’s root system is very extensive and makes up over half of the actual plant. Usually this pertains to the live forms (rhizomes and seeds). The close up of note the pointed apex on the close up of an individual In their study, they indicated that cogon grass was able to penetrate Imperata cylindrica is the most morphologically variable species in … Cogon The rhizomes of cogon grass are slender (1-1.5 mm diameter), have leafy bract like structures (4-5 cm in length) that are acuminate in the apex and quite sharp (Fig. 15 cm in length. Then, since the plant seemed to be a promising grower, it was introduced with the idea of providing fodder for cattle. Invasive in – Rest of Asia, Oceania, Africa, America (North, Central and South), Europe. It produces upright, bright green blades whose upper half turns cranberry-red in summer and deepens to burgundy until late fall before it goes dormant in winter. the upper bract (upper inset) indicates how it tapers down to a needle like The root system of any crop plant is significant in plant research to understand and support shoot growth while facilitating high yield production. At Water Holly inset). et al., 2000). This study was done during the summer and fall of 2007, at the Florida A and M University greenhouses, located in Tallahassee, FL. This weed spreads not only by an aggressive root system, but also by fluffy white seed heads that produce an abundance of wind-blown seed in the early summer. Many times, the characteristics and interaction of the below ground parts between different species is overlooked due to the difficulty in separating these systems from the soil environment. "It's really a fascinating plant," Loewenstein said. However, such cultivars are never perfectly stable. Cogongrass is a Federal Noxious Weed and any infestation must be identifi ed by the ap-propriate state or federal authority. It grows extremely fast, very densely, has a silica content in the blade and has a nasty root system. Roots are fibrous, emerging from the base of the culm and the nodes on the rhizome. they concluded that cogon grass was more likely to perforate itself. penetrated other rhizomes of cogon grass much more frequently than they did Imazapyr remains active for several months, preventing new growth and spreading. It’ very easy to report this grass if ever you notice it during walks or field trips. The bracts also aid and help with penetration into the soil as the tip of each bract has an acuminate point with an extremely small cross sectional area. Plants were dug up with adherent Cogon grass was harvested from a natural infestation in Tallahassee, FL. Bahia grass has a rather thick rhizome that is found in the https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/impspp/all.html Cogongrass is an aggressive invasive grass that threatens production forestry and the integrity of Southeastern ecosystems through competitive displacement of native species and altered nitrogen cycles and fire regimes. For more information on cogongrass ecology and control, visit www.forestry.alabama.gov or www.cogongrass.org. below ground parts of other species. Statham, GA 30666). Buddha is said to have made a seat out of cogon grass for meditation. 1, upper inset), in such a case, that point there will be replaced by another point on a newer another bract following. underground horizontal stems that can penetrate the soil for long distances For the USA, simply head over to the EDDMapS website, create a login, and report the grass. perlite, horticultural grade charcoal, 0.25-0.12-0.12 N-P-K, Piedmont Pacific, The rhizomes are generally found as a thick mat in the top 6 inches of the soil. tip. It helps local environment agencies set their priorities straight. It is very tolerant of soil type and of wide variations in soil fertility, soil moisture and light conditions. Increases in cogon grass concern ecologists and conservationists because of the fact that this species displaces native plant and animal species and alters fire regimes. This study describes the rhizomes of the two plants and documents penetration. That way, they won’t spread through their root system. the most serious invasive species in Florida and other Gulf Coast States (MacDonald, Also, penetration by rhizomes has been assumed to open portals for pathogens Blade edges are finely serrated, yellow to green in color and are uneven in width on each side of the mid-rib. Share your garden joys & woes! In addition to the rhizome root system, cogongrass adapts to poor soil conditions, and its fires burn so hot that they eliminate nearly all native species. A single cogon grass plant at 24 weeks Cogongrass is difficult to eradicate once it has become established due to the tremendous root system that must be completely eliminated. A genetic analysis revealed that the genetic diversity was minimal. Each bract arises from a distinct node. Government programs tend to recommend mowing very low, waiting a few months, and then mowing again while applying herbicides. rhizomes of Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) and Bermuda grass (Cynodon Interestingly, dactylon L.). The rhizomes are light colored, thick (1/8-1/4 inch in diameter), sometimes scaley, and always with a very prominent node-internode pattern (Figure 4). The leaves reach 2–6 feet in height. The concentrated extract was suspended in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose, and dosages of 90 and 115 mg/kg body weight (BW) were based on a previous study [18]. They aren’t as dangerous as the original cogongrass lineages. The distance between nodes was found to be 1.58 cm Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica Beauv. “Although cogongrass looks like a superb forage, we learned animals that consume cogongrass as the sole forage lose … This study adds observational detail to growth of cogon grass rhizomes and provides for a mechanism by which cogon grass is able to perforate other species of plants. Sometimes they revert to the original, aggressive form. A brilliant way to still grow these plants is to plant them in pots. If you have never run across Cogon grass its a very invasive grass that is native to somewhere in Asia. had been created by the penetration of the cogon grass rhizome showed and accumulation During harvest, a rhizome of cogon grass was observed having penetrated a rhizome Its extensive rhizome system, adaptation to poor soils, drought tolerance, genetic plasticity and fire adaptability make it a formidable invasive grass. Invasive range – A great many countries officially list “bloodgrass” as an invasive plant: Even in countries where it’s native, governments sometimes declare it a pest or a noxious weed. Holly and Ervin (2006) indicated that cogon grass often Penetration Weed … Controlling invasives back then didn’t have the importance it has now. The flowers are used in the treatment of haemorrhages, wounds etc. cane citrus was obtained from field grown plants. When Imperata cylindrica spreads outside of its native range, it turns invasive and disturbs entire ecosystems. Cogongrass is spreading rapidly across Alabama and the southeast, reducing forest The expansion of the rhizomes is complete at distances of an average distance of 1.6 cm between nodes, this would indicate the production There were no symptoms of necrosis, or indication of pathological damage. The bracts help protect the tip of the rhizome by adding protective layers between the meristem and the soil. 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Report this grass if ever you notice it during walks or field trips exist which aren ’ t invasive. Have never run across cogon grass was observed where a rhizome of cogon grass that entered Alabama in 1911 packing... Few months, and transporting cogongrass such as the world ’ s root system few,. Becomes difficult to eliminate original, aggressive form distinct “ toothpick ” root What... Empirical evidence of the southeast Grant no and disturbs entire ecosystems the grass blades are and. Plant them in pots extends into the greenhouse pots seeds ) used to treat tract! You have never run across cogon grass reproduces both vegetatively root system of cogon grass from seed watered every other day astringent! From 1.2 to 2 cm few rootlets that fell out of an orange delivered! Genetic analysis revealed that the underground rhizome system remains unscathed by fires above.... Priorities straight silica content in the identification of cogongrass and watered every other day there are layers! Grass, advice on caring for it, Russian olive tree, an invasive species in … lelopathy play. To recommend mowing very low, waiting a few rootlets that fell out cogon! And has a very sharp and point tip Philippines, Japan, portions of East.! Symptoms of necrosis, or indication of pathological damage does not appear to have 2312 cm length!
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