Biology of natal grass Melinis repens (Willd.) andimplications for its use or control. Review
Natal grass (Melinis repens) is an introduced specie from Africa that is invading different ecosystems. In Mexico,it is present all over the country and dominates large areas of grasslands. Plant invasion reduces quality andquantity of ecosystem goods and services. The knowledge of the biology of invasive species is a key factor whena management and control plan will be established. It is unknown when this specie arrived to America.Depending on climatic conditions this grass may behave as annual or perennial. Seed production is larger inyears with precipitation below normal than in wet years. Germination takes place with or without light, optimumtemperature is from 20 to 35 ºC; at -0.2 MPa germination is inhibited, and fire does not affect seed germination.When moisture is not limited and during the early development, root:shoot ratios ranges from 1.13 to 1.90 andrelative growth rate from 0.0034 to 0.15 mg g-1 d-1; also, biomass is reduced when natal grass grows on nativesoil compared to sterilized soil. Although it is considered as poor forage, the main use is as pasture. Other usesreported include ornamental, medicinal, and fito-remediation. Fire favors its growth, and no control method isknown. So far, grazing of natal grass is the most viable management. Additionally, when planning a controlcampaign it is important to reduce the movement of this specie as part of human activities.
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | spa |
| Published: |
Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias
2015
|
| Online Access: | https://cienciaspecuarias.inifap.gob.mx/index.php/Pecuarias/article/view/4015 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|