Free technical library

Guinea herb. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Directory / Cultivated and wild plants

 Comments on the article

Content

1. Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
2. Genus, family, origin, range, chemical composition, economic importance
3. Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
4. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
5. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Guinea grass, Panicum maximum. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Panicum (Panicum)

Family: Cereals (Poaceae)

Origin: Africa

Area: Africa, Asia, Australia, South and Central America.

Chemical composition: Guinea grass leaves contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. In addition, it contains phytohormones and antioxidants.

Economic value: Guinea grass is a valuable fodder plant for livestock, especially in hot and dry regions. Its high yield, good adaptation to various conditions and good nutritional value make it a popular feed for pastoralists. Guinea grass is also used for erosional soil protection and in landscape design.

Legends and myths: In some cultures, guinea grass is considered a symbol of abundance and fertility. One legend says that the gods created guinea grass to help people cope with crop failure and famine. In general, guinea grass symbolizes not only abundance and fertility, but also health, agriculture and environmental sustainability.

Guinea grass, Panicum maximum. Description, illustrations of the plant

Guinea grass, Panicum maximum. Methods of application, origin of the plant, range, botanical description, cultivation

Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) is a valuable high-yielding fodder crop. It is used to create and improve pastures and hayfields (for green fodder, hay and silage).

Guinea grass grows well and can produce 6-8 mowings per year, providing up to 5 t/ha of hay per mowing. From its crops in rainfed conditions, 40-60 tons of green mass or 10-15 tons of hay (6-9 thousand fodder units) per 1 ha are obtained. With intensive cultivation (with irrigation and fertilization), green mass yields reach 100-150 t/ha, hay - 25-40 t/ha. Guinea grass gives higher yields in joint crops with legumes and other crops.

Guinea grass is distinguished by good fodder qualities, especially in the early growing season. Relatively good foliage of plants up to maturation (the weight of leaves in the total yield is 42-50%) forms a fairly nutritious above-ground mass. In its green mass, depending on the phase of development, it contains (per absolutely dry matter): protein - 4,9-13,3%, fat - 0,6-2,5, fiber - 25,8-41,8, nitrogen-free extractives substances - 34,4-47,1, ash - 4,0-10,1, calcium - 0,25-1,28 and phosphorus - 0,1-0,76%.

Guinea grass silage is nutritionally close to sorghum and elephant grass silage. The silage contains: protein - 1,7-2,2%, fat - 0,6-0,9, carbohydrates - 23,3-25,4 and ash - 4,4-5,0% (at a moisture content of 32- 35%. Guinea grass is more nutritious before flowering. Hay harvested before flowering and at the beginning of flowering contains about 25% fiber, and harvested during ripening - up to 35%. The protein content in these phases decreases on average from 12,5 to 7%. All animals willingly eat well-digested green mass, hay and silage of Guinea grass.

Homeland Guinea grass - West Africa (Guinean zone). In the XV-XVI centuries. brought to Latin America.

It is now cultivated in many hot regions of Africa, America, Southeast Asia and Australia.

Guinea grass grows in the tropics up to 2200 m above sea level. Almost until the middle of the 65th century. in most tropical countries, it occupied from 95 to XNUMX% of the area of ​​all sown pastures. With the spread of Bermuda, elephant, Bufel and other valuable forage grasses, its area has noticeably decreased. At the same time, it remains one of the main pasture crops in the tropics and subtropics with a variable humid climate.

Guinea grass is a top rhizome-loose bush grass up to 3-6 m high. The root system is well developed, with a large number of adventitious roots. In addition to fibrous roots, it forms short (15-30cm) rhizomes. The bulk (about 80%) of the root system is concentrated in the soil layer up to 25 cm.

The bush is erect, vegetative shoots are well leafy, 80-120 cm high, generative shoots up to 3-6 m.

Stems 0,5-0,7 cm thick, with almost identical internodes along the entire length of generative shoots.

The leaves are soft and juicy before flowering, their length is 0,9-1,2 m, width is 1-1,2 cm. The stems and leaves on the upper side have dense pubescence.

The inflorescence is a loose spreading panicle 25-30 cm long. In the panicle there are from 14 to 26 branches, which in turn have from 3 to 7 branches. Spikelets 1 or 2-flowered.

Flowers bisexual, self-pollinating.

The caryopsis is densely covered with lemmas. The weight of 1000 seeds is 0,33-0,92 g. Seeds quickly fall off after ripening, which makes it difficult to collect them. Seeds are characterized by low germination. Therefore, seeds with a germination rate of at least 15% are considered standard.

Guinea grass has several varieties: typical (var. maximum, or var. typica), fluffy membranous (var. bubiglume) and colored (var. coloratum), which are similar in botanical structure. The highest herbage is formed by typical guinea grass and the lowest - by colored guinea grass.

To create and improve pastures and hayfields, several varieties of Guinea grass are used (Yamil, Colonial, Likoni, Makueni, Ordinary-127, Ordinary, Australian, SIKH-127, New Zealand, Gaton, etc.). Cultivated varieties differ significantly in herbage height, precocity and productivity. Varieties like Yamil, Colonial with high herbage (3-4 m and above), late-ripening, highly productive. Varieties such as Likoni, Makueni, New Zealand, Gaton are distinguished by a rather low grass stand (up to 2 m high), form good yields of green mass and hay. Varieties of the Ordinary type occupy an intermediate position in terms of productivity.

Guinea grass seeds have a long (up to 8-10 months or more) dormant period. To accelerate germination and increase germination, seeds are scarified by soaking followed by drying. Under favorable conditions, such seeds germinate in 15-20 days after sowing, then after 12-18 days tillering occurs, after another 25-30 days they go into the tube, and after another 12-15 days they bloom. In subsequent years of life, the vegetation phases of Guinea grass pass faster. At the beginning of the rainy season, plants form thick and succulent vegetative shoots with rosette leaves. Inflorescences appear 35-50 days after regrowth. The most intensive formation of generative shoots occurs 1,5-2 months before the start of the dry season.

In the 1st year of life, the root system is formed, the bush grows, and in the 2-3rd year a dense herbage is formed. With sufficient humidity, shoot formation continues all year round. This makes it possible to obtain several cuttings during the growing season. It grows most intensively in the rainy season, and in the dry period it stops growth, and its stems quickly coarsen. The development phases during the wet period are more extended than during the dry season.

Guinea grass makes high demands on heat. Seeds germinate at a temperature of 20-22 °C. The optimal thermal regime for germination, growth and development of plants develops at 25-30 °C. In all phases of development, Guinea grass does not tolerate even weak frosts. Sharp fluctuations in day and night temperatures are also unfavorable for her. It is quite resistant to high temperatures and, with sufficient soil moisture, tolerates heat well (35 ° C and above). Varieties from West Africa are more demanding on heat.

Guinea grass is a short-day plant, tolerates slight shading well and therefore works well in grass mixtures. It also grows well under the canopy of single trees and tall shrubs. In the shade, it forms a more tender, juicy green mass, which is better eaten by animals.

Guinea grass is a rather moisture-loving plant. It gives high yields of green mass in areas with a rainfall of 1400-2000 mm and quite good - at 900-1300 mm per year. In areas with an annual rainfall of up to 800 mm, good yields are possible only with irrigation. The most demanding on moisture before going into the tube and especially in the first year of life. In the second and subsequent years of vegetation, it is able to tolerate prolonged drought. This property is due to a well-developed root system.

Guinea grass is undemanding to soils, but grows best on fertile, alluvial, ferralitic, well-drained, slightly acidic or neutral (pH 5,5-8) and worse - on infertile, acidic (pH 4,5-5,0). When growing on poor soils, it is necessary to apply increased doses of organic and mineral fertilizers.

Guinea grass is characterized by increased requirements for mineral nutrients and high responsiveness to them, especially nitrogen. In African conditions, the increase in dry matter per 1 kg of nitrogen applied is over 60 kg. A higher payback of 1 kg of nitrogen occurs in pastures with later mowing.

When preparing the soil, ordinary plowing and surface tillage are carried out. For plowing, it is recommended to apply 20-40 tons of manure and 75-100 kg of phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen fertilizers are applied fractionally: 50 kg before sowing and 30-60 kg of nitrogen per 1 ha after each mowing. In subsequent years, mixtures of mineral fertilizers are applied at a dose of 0,4 to 1,2 t/ha in 1-3 doses annually. Most of this dose (40-60%) is nitrogen fertilizers.

The efficiency of nitrogen increases significantly against the background of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. So, in Cuba, the highest yields of hay and seeds are obtained from the application of 60 kg of nitrogen per 1 ha for each cut against the background of P15oK15o. In Malaysia, the introduction of only potassium increased the yield of guinea grass by 30%, and together with phosphorus and nitrogen - by 80%, far exceeding the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus. In Zimbabwe, its high seed productivity is ensured by applying triple mixtures (NPK in the ratio of 10:20:0 or 6:18:6).

Guinea grass is propagated by seeds and vegetatively. For sowing, it is necessary to use completed, clean and scarified seeds. Sowing is carried out at the beginning of the rainy season in a wide-row (with a row spacing of 45-100 cm) or scattered method. Seeding rate 4-12 kg of seeds per 1 ha (depending on germination and purpose of cultivation). When grown for seeds, broadcast sowing with a seeding rate of 8 kg/ha gives good results. Under the conditions of Cuba, the Likoni and Macueni varieties formed the highest yields of hay with wide-row sowing, with row spacing of 45 cm, and seeds - with row spacing of 75 cm.

For grassing, rhizomes or parts of a bush are also used, which are planted according to the scheme 70-120 x 40-60 cm.

Perennial legumes (Brazilian alfalfa, Java soybean, pubescent centrozem, desmodium, hairy indigo, etc.) are often sown to Guinea grass. It is also grown in joint crops with treacle grass, sorghum, corn and other crops. The inclusion of legume components in mixed crops significantly increases the protein content in the above-ground mass. Under the conditions of Cuba, the protein content in the green mass of guinea grass (per dry matter) was 6,6%, and in a mixture with perennial soybean - from 9,4 to 15,0% (with its share in the yield of 15-35%).

Caring for Guinea grass crops consists in weeding, fertilizing, loosening row spacings on wide-row crops. Weed control is carried out by mowing, applying herbicides and processing row spacings. Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is usually used at the beginning and middle of the rainy season. The aisles are treated with loosening implements as the soil is compacted and weeds germinate until a closed herbage is formed. When growing guinea grass in the dry season, irrigation is applied at intervals of 15 to 25 days.

With proper use of pastures (introduction of pasture rotation), guinea grass gives good yields for 7 years or more. In order to maintain the high productivity of guinea grass, it is necessary to leave it every 3-5 years until the seeds ripen and shed. To increase productive longevity, guinea grass herbage should be treated with disc implements.

For grazing, the grass is more valuable during the period from entering the tube to the beginning of heading (at the age of 30-40 days). For hay and silage, it is best to mow it at the beginning of flowering (at the age of 40-45 days). For normal regrowth, the cutting or mowing height must be at least 10 cm from the soil surface.

Authors: Baranov V.D., Ustimenko G.V.

Guinea grass, Panicum maximum. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

Ethnoscience:

• Guinea herb tea to strengthen the immune system: pour 1 tablespoon of dried guinea herb with a glass of boiling water and leave for 10-15 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink 1-2 times a day.
• Decoction of guinea herb for joint pain: Pour 2 tablespoons of dry guinea herb into 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat and simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes. Strain the decoction and drink 1 glass a day.
• Guinea herb compress for tumors: grind fresh guinea herb and apply to the site of the tumor. Secure the compress with a bandage and leave for several hours or overnight.
• Guinea herb infusion to improve digestion: pour 1 tablespoon of dried guinea herb with a glass of boiling water and leave for 10-15 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink before meals to improve digestion.

Cosmetology:

• Hair Mask: mix 1 tbsp dried guinea herb with 2 tbsp olive oil. Apply to hair, massaging the scalp, and leave for 30-60 minutes. Then wash your hair with shampoo.
• Face tonic: pour 1 tablespoon of dried guinea herb with a glass of boiling water and leave for 10-15 minutes. Strain the infusion and add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Apply to face with a cotton pad before bed.
• Body Scrub: Mix 1 tablespoon dried guinea herb with 2 tablespoons ground coffee and enough olive oil to make a paste. Apply to the skin of the body and massage in circular motions, then rinse with water.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Guinea grass, Panicum maximum. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) is a perennial herb that is used as livestock feed. It is also used for erosion protection and soil improvement.

Tips for Growing, Harvesting and Storing Guinea Grass:

Cultivation:

• Guinea grass grows best in sunny locations with nutrient-dense soils that need to be well-drained.
• Seeds should be planted no more than 2-3 cm deep into the soil at the beginning of the rainy season. Plants need good lighting and vitamins A, B and C for growth and development.
• After sowing, the plants need moderate watering until the rainy season begins.

Workpiece:

• The best time to harvest guinea grass is during the flowering period, when the plant's nutrient content is at its highest.
• The plant can be mowed and used in the silage harvesting method, cut into pieces and laid in a pile, which is then tightly compacted and closed.
• Also, the plant can be used as hay if it is dried in the sun or in a drying chamber.
• If you are planning to harvest guinea grass for the winter, it is important to do so during a period of heavy rainfall.

Storage:

• Guinea grass should be stored in a dry place, protected from moisture and sunlight.
• Guinea grass can be stored for up to 2 years in silage and up to 1 year as hay, depending on the harvesting method.

We recommend interesting articles Section Cultivated and wild plants:

▪ Labrador tea marsh

▪ Seabuckthorn buckthorn

▪ Snowberry white (snowberry racemosus)

▪ Play the game "Guess the plant from the picture"

See other articles Section Cultivated and wild plants.

Read and write useful comments on this article.

<< Back

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

Energy from space for Starship 08.05.2024

Producing solar energy in space is becoming more feasible with the advent of new technologies and the development of space programs. The head of the startup Virtus Solis shared his vision of using SpaceX's Starship to create orbital power plants capable of powering the Earth. Startup Virtus Solis has unveiled an ambitious project to create orbital power plants using SpaceX's Starship. This idea could significantly change the field of solar energy production, making it more accessible and cheaper. The core of the startup's plan is to reduce the cost of launching satellites into space using Starship. This technological breakthrough is expected to make solar energy production in space more competitive with traditional energy sources. Virtual Solis plans to build large photovoltaic panels in orbit, using Starship to deliver the necessary equipment. However, one of the key challenges ... >>

New method for creating powerful batteries 08.05.2024

With the development of technology and the expanding use of electronics, the issue of creating efficient and safe energy sources is becoming increasingly urgent. Researchers at the University of Queensland have unveiled a new approach to creating high-power zinc-based batteries that could change the landscape of the energy industry. One of the main problems with traditional water-based rechargeable batteries was their low voltage, which limited their use in modern devices. But thanks to a new method developed by scientists, this drawback has been successfully overcome. As part of their research, scientists turned to a special organic compound - catechol. It turned out to be an important component that can improve battery stability and increase its efficiency. This approach has led to a significant increase in the voltage of zinc-ion batteries, making them more competitive. According to scientists, such batteries have several advantages. They have b ... >>

Alcohol content of warm beer 07.05.2024

Beer, as one of the most common alcoholic drinks, has its own unique taste, which can change depending on the temperature of consumption. A new study by an international team of scientists has found that beer temperature has a significant impact on the perception of alcoholic taste. The study, led by materials scientist Lei Jiang, found that at different temperatures, ethanol and water molecules form different types of clusters, which affects the perception of alcoholic taste. At low temperatures, more pyramid-like clusters form, which reduces the pungency of the "ethanol" taste and makes the drink taste less alcoholic. On the contrary, as the temperature increases, the clusters become more chain-like, resulting in a more pronounced alcoholic taste. This explains why the taste of some alcoholic drinks, such as baijiu, can change depending on temperature. The data obtained opens up new prospects for beverage manufacturers, ... >>

Random news from the Archive Air pollution and appendicitis 07.01.2009 Canadian doctors drew attention to a curious pattern. Admission to hospitals in the city of Calgary of patients with appendicitis increases by 15% on days when air pollution with sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and smoke particles increases. And especially ozone, which occurs when the products of automobile exhaust gases are irradiated with sunlight. It is assumed that air pollution activates the foci of inflammation already present in the body.

Other interesting news:

▪ Martian soil - radiation protection

▪ New control scheme for complex robotic systems

▪ Mobile phone recognizes the owner

▪ Vapors contain toxic metals

▪ Brain of a criminal as evidence

News feed of science and technology, new electronics

Interesting materials of the Free Technical Library:

▪ site section Welding equipment. Article selection

▪ article by Luigi Pirandello. Famous aphorisms

▪ article Why does ice break pipes? Detailed answer

▪ article Personnel of radiotherapy departments. Standard instruction on labor protection

▪ article Simple capacitance meter. Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering

▪ article Voltage converter, 12/220 volts 5 watts. Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering

Leave your comment on this article:

All languages ​​of this page

Arabic	Hebrew	Polish
Bengali	Hindi	Portuguese
Chinese	Italian	Spanish
English	Japanese	Turkish
French	Korean	Ukrainian
German	Malay	Vietnamese

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews

www.diagram.com.ua
2000-2024