Paspalum dilatatum (dallisgrass)
Index
- Pictures
- Identity
- Summary of Invasiveness
- Taxonomic Tree
- Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Description
- Plant Type
- Distribution
- Distribution Table
- History of Introduction and Spread
- Introductions
- Risk of Introduction
- Habitat
- Hosts/Species Affected
- Host Plants and Other Plants Affected
- Biology and Ecology
- Climate
- Latitude/Altitude Ranges
- Air Temperature
- Rainfall
- Soil Tolerances
- Natural enemies
- Notes on Natural Enemies
- Means of Movement and Dispersal
- Pathway Causes
- Pathway Vectors
- Economic Impact
- Environmental Impact
- Social Impact
- Risk and Impact Factors
- Uses
- Uses List
- Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
- Prevention and Control
- Gaps in Knowledge/Research Needs
- References
- Links to Websites
- Contributors
- Distribution Maps
Don't need the entire report?
Generate a print friendly version containing only the sections you need.
Generate reportIdentity
Top of pagePreferred Scientific Name
- Paspalum dilatatum Poir.
Preferred Common Name
- dallisgrass
Other Scientific Names
- Digitaria dilatata (Poir.) Coste
- Panicum platense (Spreng.) Kuntze
- Paspalum eriophorum Schult. & Schult.f
- Paspalum lanatum Spreng.
- Paspalum moluccanum Huber
- Paspalum ovatum Ness ex Trin.
- Paspalum pedunculare J.Presl
- Paspalum platense Spreng.
- Paspalum selloi Spreng. ex Ness
International Common Names
- English: caterpillar grass; dallis grass; golden crown grass; Leichhardt grass; paspalum; sticky heads; water grass; water paspalum
- Spanish: grama de agua; gramilla; pasto chato; pasto dallis; pasto miel; zacate dilación
- French: herbe de dallis; herbe de miel; herbe sirop; millet bâtard; paspalum dilate
- Portuguese: capim-comprido; grama-comprida
- German: Brasilianische futterhirse; Brasilianische hirse; dallisgras
Local Common Names
- Australia: bastard millet grass; hairy flowered paspalum; large watergrass; large waterseed paspalum; paspalum grass; watergrass
- Brazil: capim melador; capim mimosa; capim-dallis; capim-melado; capim-papua; grama-das-rocas; gramão; grama-samandura; sanduva
- Chile: camalote; chepica gigante
- China: mao hua que bai
- Cuba: grama
- Denmark: hirse
- Dominican Republic: yerba de Australia
- France: panic du Brésil; paspale dilate
- Hungary: széles csomósmuhar
- Indonesia: rumput australi
- Israel: paspalum merhav
- Italy: panico brasiliano; panico brasilinao; paspalo dilatato
- Japan: shima-suzume-no-hie
- Mauritius: herbe codaya
- Mexico: zacate dallis
- Niue: hiku nua
- Philippines: halanaw; lawa-lawa; sakata
- Portugal: grama-de-água; milha-graminheira
- Puerto Rico: dalis; yerba dalis
- Spain: gramón; mijera
- Thailand: ya-daenlit
- Vietnam: co'san dep
EPPO code
- PASDI (Paspalum dilatatum)
Summary of Invasiveness
Top of pagePaspalum dilatatum is a perennial grass native to South America that has been introduced into tropical and subtropical areas as a forage species/fodder. It is reported as invasive in Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Hawaii, American Samoa, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island, Solomon Islands and the Minor Outlying Islands. In Hawaii and New Zealand, it forms dense stands that smother and prevent recruitment of native species.
Taxonomic Tree
Top of page- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Spermatophyta
- Subphylum: Angiospermae
- Class: Monocotyledonae
- Order: Cyperales
- Family: Poaceae
- Genus: Paspalum
- Species: Paspalum dilatatum
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Top of pagePaspalum is a genus in the Poaceae family with about 330 species, mainly from tropical to warm-temperate regions of the American continent (PROTA, 2017). The genus includes important forage grasses and widespread weeds. Paspalum comes from the Greek word for millet, Paspalos (Quattrocchi, 1999). The common name of dallisgrass for P. dilatatum is in honour of AT Dallis, who grew it extensively at La Grange, Georgia, USA (Hitchcock and Chase, 1951). From the synonyms applied to the species, P. lanatum, P. moluccanum and P. ovatum are illegitimate names and P. selloi is an invalid name (The Plant List, 2013).
Description
Top of pageThe following description is from Flora of China Editorial Committee (2017):
Perennial from a short rhizome. Culms forming a coarse, spreading tuft, 50-150 cm tall, c. 5 mm in diameter, glabrous. Leaf sheaths glabrous or pilose in the lower part; leaf blades linear, 10-45 x 0.3-1.2 cm, glabrous, apex attenuate; ligule 2-4 mm. Inflorescence axis 2-20 cm; racemes 2-10, 5-12 cm, spaced, diverging, axils pilose; spikelets paired; rachis 1-1.5 mm wide, glabrous. Spikelets green or purplish, broadly ovate, 3-4 mm, sharply acute; upper glume membranous, 5-9-veined, sparsely pubescent to almost glabrous on back, margins fringed with long white hairs; lower lemma similar but not hairy; upper lemma pallid at maturity, orbicular, c. 2 mm, clearly shorter than spikelet, papillose-striate, apex rounded.
Distribution
Top of pageP. dilatatum is native to Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Guyana, Paraguay and Uruguay (Missouri Botanical Garden, 2017; PIER, 2017; PROTA, 2017; USDA-ARS, 2017), and Hanelt (2017) extends its reported native distribution to Central America. The species has been introduced worldwide, being present in Asia, Africa, North America, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Oceania and invasive in many of the introduced countries (Acevedo-Rodríguez and Strong, 2012; DAISIE, 2017; Encyclopedia of Life, 2017; Missouri Botanical Garden, 2017; PIER, 2017; PROTA, 2017; USDA-ARS, 2017).
Distribution Table
Top of pageThe distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.
Last updated: 10 Feb 2022Continent/Country/Region | Distribution | Last Reported | Origin | First Reported | Invasive | Reference | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa |
|||||||
Algeria | Present | Introduced | |||||
Angola | Present | Introduced | |||||
Cameroon | Present | Introduced | |||||
Egypt | Present | Introduced | Nile region and Sinai | ||||
Eswatini | Present | Introduced | |||||
Ghana | Present | Introduced | |||||
Kenya | Present | Introduced | |||||
Lesotho | Present | Introduced | |||||
Madagascar | Present | Introduced | Antananarivo | ||||
Mauritania | Present | Introduced | |||||
Mauritius | Present | Introduced | Mauritius and Mascarene islands | ||||
Morocco | Present | Introduced | |||||
South Africa | Present | Introduced | |||||
Tanzania | Present | Introduced | |||||
Uganda | Present | Introduced | |||||
Zambia | Present | Introduced | |||||
Zimbabwe | Present | Introduced | 1919 | ||||
Asia |
|||||||
Armenia | Present | Introduced | |||||
Azerbaijan | Present | Introduced | |||||
Bhutan | Present | Introduced | 1979 | ||||
China | Present | Introduced | Also as cultivated | ||||
-Fujian | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Guangxi | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Guizhou | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Hubei | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Shanghai | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Yunnan | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Zhejiang | Present | Introduced | |||||
Georgia | Present | Introduced | |||||
Hong Kong | Present | Introduced | 1964 | ||||
India | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Himachal Pradesh | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Kerala | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Maharashtra | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Meghalaya | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Punjab | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Rajasthan | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Sikkim | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Tamil Nadu | Present | Introduced | |||||
Indonesia | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Java | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Lesser Sunda Islands | Present | Introduced | |||||
Iraq | Present | Introduced | |||||
Israel | Present | Introduced | |||||
Japan | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Bonin Islands | Present | Introduced | |||||
Jordan | Present | Introduced | |||||
Malaysia | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Sabah | Present | Introduced | |||||
Pakistan | Present | Introduced | |||||
Philippines | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Saudi Arabia | Present | Introduced | |||||
Singapore | Present | Introduced | 1964 | ||||
South Korea | Present | Introduced | 1993 | ||||
Sri Lanka | Present | Introduced | |||||
Taiwan | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Turkey | Present | Introduced | |||||
Vietnam | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Europe |
|||||||
Austria | Present | Introduced | |||||
Belgium | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | |||||
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Present | Introduced | 2014 | ||||
Croatia | Present | Introduced | |||||
Cyprus | Present | Introduced | |||||
France | Present | Introduced | 1878 | ||||
-Corsica | Present | Introduced | 1959 | ||||
Germany | Present | Introduced | |||||
Greece | Present | Introduced | |||||
Hungary | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | |||||
Italy | Present | Introduced | |||||
Norway | Present | Introduced | 1997 | ||||
Portugal | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Azores | Present | Introduced | 1954 | ||||
-Madeira | Present | Introduced | 1922 | ||||
Russia | Present | Introduced | |||||
Spain | Present | Introduced | 1907 | ||||
-Balearic Islands | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Canary Islands | Present | Introduced | First reported: 1980's | ||||
Switzerland | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | |||||
United Kingdom | Present | Introduced | 1924 | ||||
North America |
|||||||
Bahamas | Present | Introduced | |||||
Bermuda | Present | Introduced | 1913 | Original citation: New York Botanical Garden (2017) | |||
Costa Rica | Present | Introduced | Alajuela, San José | ||||
Cuba | Present | Introduced | 1921 | Original citation: New York Botanical Garden (2017) | |||
Dominican Republic | Present | Introduced | |||||
El Salvador | Present | Introduced | |||||
Guatemala | Present | Introduced | |||||
Haiti | Present | Introduced | 1909 | Original citation: New York Botanical Garden (2017) | |||
Jamaica | Present | Introduced | 1917 | Original citation: New York Botanical Garden (2017) | |||
Mexico | Present | Introduced | Chiapas, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Nuevo León, Veracruz | ||||
Panama | Present | Introduced | Chiriquí | ||||
Puerto Rico | Present | Introduced | 1924 | ||||
United States | Present | Introduced | 1875 | ||||
-Alabama | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Arizona | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Arkansas | Present | Introduced | |||||
-California | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Colorado | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Florida | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Georgia | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Hawaii | Present | Introduced | Invasive | Invasive at Big Island, Kaua’i, Lana’i, Maui, Moloka’i and O’ahu islands | |||
-Illinois | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Louisiana | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Maryland | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Mississippi | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Missouri | Present | Introduced | |||||
-New Jersey | Present | Introduced | |||||
-New Mexico | Present | Introduced | |||||
-North Carolina | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Oklahoma | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Oregon | Present | Introduced | |||||
-South Dakota | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Tennessee | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Texas | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Virginia | Present | Introduced | |||||
-West Virginia | Present | Introduced | |||||
Oceania |
|||||||
American Samoa | Present | Introduced | Invasive | Tutuila Island | |||
Australia | Present | Introduced | 1893 | ||||
-Lord Howe Island | Present | Introduced | Invasive | Also cultivated | |||
-New South Wales | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Northern Territory | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Queensland | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-South Australia | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Tasmania | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Victoria | Present | Introduced | |||||
Cook Islands | Present | Introduced | Mangaia, Ma’uke, Miti’aro and Rarotonga Islands | ||||
Fiji | Present | Introduced | Invasive | Kandavu, Rambi, Taveuni, Vanua Levu and Viti Levu islands | |||
French Polynesia | Present | Introduced | Invasive | Aboriginal introduction and invasive in Nuku Hiva Island. Present in Raiatea and Tupai islands. Introduced and cultivated in Tahiti Island | |||
Guam | Present | Introduced | Also cultivated | ||||
New Caledonia | Present | Introduced | Invasive | Invasive and cultivated in Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia Islands, Ile Grande Terre, Isle of Pines | |||
New Zealand | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Kermadec Islands | Present | Introduced | 1908 | ||||
Niue | Present | Introduced | Invasive | Kermadee Islands | |||
Norfolk Island | Present | Introduced | Invasive | Also cultivated | |||
Papua New Guinea | Present | Introduced | |||||
Samoa | Present | Introduced | Upolu Island | ||||
Solomon Islands | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Tonga | Present | Introduced | Tongatapu Island | ||||
U.S. Minor Outlying Islands | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Johnston Atoll | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Vanuatu | Present | Introduced | |||||
South America |
|||||||
Argentina | Present | Native | Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Corrientes, Distrito Federal, Entre Ríos, Jujuy, Misiones, Salta, San Juan, Santa Fe | ||||
Bolivia | Present | Native | Tarija | ||||
Brazil | Present | Native | |||||
-Minas Gerais | Present | Native | |||||
-Para | Present | Native | |||||
-Parana | Present | Native | |||||
-Rio de Janeiro | Present | Native | |||||
-Rio Grande do Sul | Present | Native | |||||
-Santa Catarina | Present | Native | |||||
-Sao Paulo | Present | Native | |||||
Chile | Present | Native | |||||
Colombia | Present | Introduced | |||||
French Guiana | Present | Introduced | |||||
Guyana | Present | Native | |||||
Paraguay | Present | Native | |||||
Uruguay | Present | Native | Canelones, Colonia, Florida, Montevideo | ||||
Venezuela | Present | Introduced | Barinas, Mérida |
History of Introduction and Spread
Top of pageP. dilatatum was introduced to southern USA from Uruguay or Argentina in 1875 (Heuzé et al., 2015). In 1878, it was introduced from Uruguay into France (Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 2017). The species was introduced to Japan in the early 1900s and is now naturalized in central-southern Japan (Sugiura and Yamazaki, 2007). There are collections reported from Haiti in 1909, Bermuda in 1913, Jamaica in 1917 (introduced as forage grass) and Cuba in 1921 (New York Botanical Garden, 2017). P. dilatatum was reported in Puerto Rico in 1924 (UPRRP, 2017).
Introductions
Top of pageIntroduced to | Introduced from | Year | Reason | Introduced by | Established in wild through | References | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural reproduction | Continuous restocking | |||||||
USA | 1875 | Forage (pathway cause) | Yes | No | Heuzé et al. (2015) | |||
Cuba | 1921 | Forage (pathway cause) | Yes | No | New York Botanical Garden (2017) | |||
Jamaica | 1917 | Forage (pathway cause) | Yes | No | New York Botanical Garden (2017) | |||
Haiti | 1909 | Forage (pathway cause) | Yes | No | New York Botanical Garden (2017) | |||
Bermuda | 1913 | Forage (pathway cause) | Yes | No | New York Botanical Garden (2017) | |||
Puerto Rico | 1924 | Forage (pathway cause) | Yes | No | UPRRP (2017) | |||
France | Uruguay | 1878 | Forage (pathway cause) | Yes | No | Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (2017) |
Risk of Introduction
Top of pageP. dilatatum has a medium to high risk of introduction into tropical, subtropical and temperate zones, usually to be used as forage/fodder. However, its low sexual reproduction, low germination and slow establishment, together with its susceptibility of being infected by ergot (Claviceps paspali), are a deterrent to its spread. Nevertheless, the use of this species is favoured due to the high productivity of livestock that feeds on it (Miz and Souza-Chies, 2006). As research to identify genotypes that improve its use as a crop is underway, its distribution is likely to increase in the future (Glison et al., 2015).
Habitat
Top of pageP. dilatatum is present in disturbed sites, savannas, moist grasslands, forests, wetlands, riparian habitats, roadsides and agricultural land (Flora do Brasil, 2017; PIER, 2017). It grows from 5 to 2200 m of elevation (PROTA, 2017).
Hosts/Species Affected
Top of pageP. dilatatum is reported as a weed of cultivation and is sometimes present in rice fields (Heuzé et al., 2015; Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2017). When the species is infected by the ergot fungus, Claviceps paspali, it becomes toxic to animals that feed on it (FAO, 2017; PROTA, 2017; USDA-ARS, 2017).
Host Plants and Other Plants Affected
Top of pagePlant name | Family | Context | References |
---|---|---|---|
Citrus | Rutaceae | Main | |
Oryza sativa (rice) | Poaceae |
Biology and Ecology
Top of pageGenetics
The chromosome numbers reported for P. dilatatum are 2n = 40, 50, 60 (PROTA, 2017). Germplasm collections are stored at various institutions, with the oldest collection in storage being around 21 years old (Glison et al., 2015; Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, 2017; PROTA, 2017; USDA-ARS, 2017). DNA barcode information for the species is available at the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD, 2017). Seeds are produced in Australia, USA and Uruguay, and breeding work is being undertaken to increase species resistance to ergot and anthracnose, and to improve species management (Glison et al., 2015; PROTA, 2017).
The species is mainly apomictic by apospory and pseudogamy, with the sexual type being less common. Crossing apomict and sexual plants produces an interspecific hybrid with 2n = 50 (PROTA, 2017). There are reports of hybrids between P. dilatatum and P. urvellei (Miz and Souza-Chies, 2006). Important cultivars developed for P. dilatatum are ‘raki’ from New Zealand, ‘charu’ from Uruguay and ‘natsugumo’ from Japan (PROTA, 2017).
Reproductive Biology
Reproduction of P. dilatatum is by seed (PROTA, 2017). Most seeds are produced by apomixis, although wind pollination and pollination by solitary bees have been reported for the species (Adams et al., 1981). Pollen viability is low (Miz and Souza-Chies, 2006). Seed production is 570-750 seeds/g and is inhibited below 13°C (FAO, 2017; PROTA, 2017). Seeds have some post-harvesting dormancy, which is broken by removal of the glumes (FAO, 2017; PROSEA, 2017). It is considered a slow starter species, with slow germination and establishment rates (Miz and Souza-Chies, 2006; PROTA, 2017).
Physiology and Phenology
P. dilatatum flowering and fruiting occurs from spring to summer, after which flowering declines (FAO, 2017; Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2017). Early growth is slow but, once established, it grows vigorously. The fastest growth occurs during the reproductive season and slows down during mid-summer and autumn. In subtropical regions and at higher altitudes, the species becomes dormant during cool periods (PROTA, 2017).
Associations
P. dilatatum is usually grown with other fast growing plants in order to improve pastures (Heuzé et al., 2015). Species that are grown in association with P. dilatatum are Trifolium repens, T. semipilosum, T. subterraneum, Vigna parkeri, Cynodon dactylon and Lolium rigidum (Heuzé et al., 2015; PROTA, 2017).
Environmental Requirements
P. dilatatum can grow in areas with annual rainfall from 750 to 1650 mm, but is better adapted to permanently humid subtropical conditions of 10 to 12 humid months, with over 1000 mm annual rainfall (FAO, 2017; PROTA, 2017). It prefers moist fertile soils of fine and medium texture, with a pH of 4.9 to 7.5, although it can grow on heavy clay soils (Encyclopedia of Life, 2017; FAO, 2017). The species tolerates flooding, but will also grow in dry areas, being drought tolerant (Heuzé et al., 2015; PROTA, 2017). It is not common in areas exposed to fires, although it recovers well from them (FAO, 2017). Optimum growing temperature is 22 to 30°C, but it can grow in temperatures as low as -3°C, as its deep roots allow it to regrow after frost (Heuzé et al., 2015). It requires full sun and has an optimal day-length response of 14-16 hours (PROTA, 2017).
Climate
Top of pageClimate | Status | Description | Remark |
---|---|---|---|
Af - Tropical rainforest climate | Preferred | > 60mm precipitation per month | |
Am - Tropical monsoon climate | Preferred | Tropical monsoon climate ( < 60mm precipitation driest month but > (100 - [total annual precipitation(mm}/25])) | |
As - Tropical savanna climate with dry summer | Preferred | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in summer) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | |
Aw - Tropical wet and dry savanna climate | Preferred | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in winter) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | |
BS - Steppe climate | Tolerated | > 430mm and < 860mm annual precipitation | |
Cs - Warm temperate climate with dry summer | Preferred | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry summers | |
Cw - Warm temperate climate with dry winter | Preferred | Warm temperate climate with dry winter (Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry winters) | |
Cf - Warm temperate climate, wet all year | Preferred | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, wet all year |
Latitude/Altitude Ranges
Top of pageLatitude North (°N) | Latitude South (°S) | Altitude Lower (m) | Altitude Upper (m) |
---|---|---|---|
50 | 45 | 5 | 2200 |
Air Temperature
Top of pageParameter | Lower limit | Upper limit |
---|---|---|
Absolute minimum temperature (ºC) | -3 | |
Mean annual temperature (ºC) | 10 | 30 |
Rainfall
Top of pageParameter | Lower limit | Upper limit | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Mean annual rainfall | 750 mm | 1650 mm | mm; lower/upper limits |
Soil Tolerances
Top of pageSoil drainage
- free
- seasonally waterlogged
Soil reaction
- acid
- alkaline
- neutral
Soil texture
- heavy
- light
- medium
Natural enemies
Top of pageNatural enemy | Type | Life stages | Specificity | References | Biological control in | Biological control on |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barley yellow dwarf viruses | Pathogen | Other|All Stages | not specific | |||
Bipolaris micropus | Pathogen | Other|All Stages | not specific | |||
Claviceps paspali | Pathogen | Other|All Stages | to species | |||
Colletotrichum graminicola | Pathogen | Other|All Stages | not specific | |||
Diatraea saccharalis | Herbivore | Other|All Stages | not specific | |||
Lepidiota caudata | Herbivore | Other|All Stages | not specific | |||
Mocis latipes | ||||||
Paspalum striate mosaic virus | Pathogen | Other|All Stages | to genus | |||
Rhopaea | Herbivore | Other|All Stages | not specific | |||
Spodoptera frugiperda |
Notes on Natural Enemies
Top of pageP. dilatatum is affected by the following pests: Claviceps paspali, Glomerella graminicola [Colletotrichum graminicola] and Helminthosporium micropus [Bipolaris micropus]; the insects Lepidiota caudata, Rhopaea spp. and Diatraea saccharalis; and the barley and cereal yellow dwarf viruses (B/CYDV) and the Paspalum striate mosaic virus (PSMV) (Geering et al., 2012; Rúa et al., 2014; FAO, 2017; PROTA, 2017).
Means of Movement and Dispersal
Top of pageNatural Dispersal
P. dilatatum can be dispersed by water (PIER, 2017).
Vector Transmission (Biotic)
P. dilatatum can be dispersed by animals (Eurobodalla Shire Council, 2017; PIER, 2017; PROTA, 2017).
Accidental Introduction
P. dilatatum has been accidentally dispersed by soil, clothing, machinery and vehicles (Eurobodalla Shire Council, 2017).
Intentional Introduction
P. dilatatum has been introduced in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions as a forage species (PROTA, 2017).
Pathway Causes
Top of pageCause | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Disturbance | Yes | PIER (2017) | ||
Forage | widely introduced as forage for livestock | Yes | Yes | PIER (2017) |
Habitat restoration and improvement | recommended for erosion control | Yes | Yes | Tropical Forages (2017) |
Hitchhiker | unintentionally dispersed by animals and humans | Yes | Yes | Eurobodalla Shire Council (2017); PIER (2017) |
Intentional release | widely introduced as forage/fodder for livestock | Yes | Yes | PROTA (2017); Tropical Forages (2017) |
Internet sales | plants and seeds available for sale locally and internationally | Yes | Yes | |
Off-site preservation | germplasm collections at various institutions | Yes | Yes | Kew Royal Botanic Gardens (2017); PROTA (2017); USDA-ARS (2017) |
Research | breeding work carried out to increase resistance to ergot and anthracnose, and to improve management of the species | Yes | Yes | Glison et al. (2015); PROTA (2017) |
Pathway Vectors
Top of pageVector | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Germplasm | germplasm collections at various institutions | Yes | Yes | Kew Royal Botanic Gardens (2017); PROTA (2017); USDA-ARS (2017) |
Machinery and equipment | Yes | Eurobodalla Shire Council (2017) | ||
Soil, sand and gravel | seeds possibly dispersed in soil debris from cultivation | Yes | ||
Land vehicles | Yes | Eurobodalla Shire Council (2017) | ||
Water | Yes | PIER (2017) |
Economic Impact
Top of pageP. dilatatum is reported to be a potential seed contaminant (USDA-ARS, 2017) and to cause problems in irrigation channels (Nasseri, 2016).
Environmental Impact
Top of pageImpact on Biodiversity
P. dilatatum forms dense stands that smother and prevent recruitment of native species (PIER, 2017). The species by itself is not toxic, but can be infected by the ergot fungus Claviceps paspali, which is toxic to animals (FAO, 2017; PROTA, 2017; USDA-ARS, 2017).
Social Impact
Top of pageP. dilatatum is a pest of lawns and turf grass (PROTA, 2017). It tolerates close mowing, traffic and high soil moisture, which contributes to its persistence in lawns (Elmore et al., 2013).
Risk and Impact Factors
Top of page- Proved invasive outside its native range
- Has a broad native range
- Highly adaptable to different environments
- Is a habitat generalist
- Tolerates, or benefits from, cultivation, browsing pressure, mutilation, fire etc
- Pioneering in disturbed areas
- Long lived
- Gregarious
- Has propagules that can remain viable for more than one year
- Reproduces asexually
- Has high genetic variability
- Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
- Monoculture formation
- Negatively impacts agriculture
- Negatively impacts animal health
- Reduced native biodiversity
- Threat to/ loss of native species
- Competition - monopolizing resources
- Competition - shading
- Competition - smothering
- Pest and disease transmission
- Highly likely to be transported internationally accidentally
- Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately
Uses
Top of pageEconomic Value
P. dilatatum is one of the earliest grasses used for sown pastures (Tropical Forages, 2017). Its use is favoured due to its palatability, productivity and ability to withstand heavy grazing. High production and milk yields are obtained from animals feeding on P. dilatatum (PROTA, 2017). It is one of the grasses recommended for broadening and stabilisation of the forage production calendar in Mediterranean-type environments (Gherbin et al., 2007).
Social Benefit
P. dilatatum is used as fodder/forage, for hay and silage (USDA-ARS, 2017). It is also used as a source of vitamins and minerals (PROTA, 2017).
Environmental Services
P. dilatatum is used for erosion control and for mine habitat restoration (USDA-ARS, 2017). In Australia, it is foraged by the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) and the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) (Jarman and Evans, 2010).
Uses List
Top of pageAnimal feed, fodder, forage
- Fodder/animal feed
- Forage
Environmental
- Erosion control or dune stabilization
- Soil conservation
Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
Top of pageP. dilatatum is similar to P. mandiocanum, P. notatum, P. urvillei, P. scrobiculatum and P. quadrifarium (University of Queensland, 2017). These species can be differentiated by the following: P. dilatatum is a moderately-sized grass with narrow leaves, large flower spikelets (3-4 mm long), long silky hairs on the leaf margins and seed-heads usually with 3-7 branches. P. mandiocanum is a low-growing grass with broad leaves, small flower spikelets (2-2.5 mm long), without long silky hairs on the leaf margins and seed-heads usually with 3-10 branches. P. notatum is a low-growing grass with relatively narrow leaves, relatively large flower spikelets (2.75-4 mm long), without silky hairs on the leaf margins and seed-heads usually with only two branches. P. urvillei is a tall grass with narrow leaves, small flower spikelets with long silky hairs on the leaf margins and seed-heads usually with 10-20 branches. P. scrobiculatum is a moderate-sized grass with narrow leaves, small flower spikelets (2-2.5 mm long), without long silky hairs on the leaf margins and seed-heads usually with only 2-7 branches (i.e. racemes). P. quadrifarium is a tall grass (1-2 m tall) with narrow leaves, relatively small flower spikelets (2-3 mm long), without long silky hairs on the leaf margins and seed-heads usually with 15-25 branches.
Prevention and Control
Top of pageDue to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.
Prevention
In Canada, although the species is not present, it is listed as a prohibited noxious weed under the Seeds Act (Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 2017).
Control
Physical/mechanical control
Small plants of P. dilatatum can be dug out, removing all rhizomes. Plants that are cut or mowed regenerate fast, so mowing should be combined with chemical control (Henry et al., 2007a; PIER, 2017).
Chemical control
Herbicides recommended for the control of P. dilatatum are: paraquat, glyphosate, thiencarbazone-methyl, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl, fluazifop and monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA) combined with foramsulfuron (Henry et al., 2007b; Elmore et al., 2013; Johnston and Henry, 2016; PIER, 2017).
Gaps in Knowledge/Research Needs
Top of pageMore detailed information about the species impacts on habitats and other species is needed.
References
Top of pageAcevedo-Rodríguez P, Strong MT, 2012. Catalogue of the seed plants of the West Indies. Smithsonian Contributions to Botany, 98:1-1192. Washington DC, USA: Smithsonian Institution.
BOLD, 2017. BOLD Systems - Barcode of Life Data System. http://www.boldsystems.org/index.php/
Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 2017. CFIA. Canada: Government of Canada. http://www.inspection.gc.ca/invasive
DAISIE, 2017. Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe. DAISIE (online). http://www.europe-aliens.org/
Encyclopedia of Life, 2017. http://www.eol.org/
Eurobodalla Shire Council, 2017. Paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum). Moruya, New South Wales, Australia: Eurobodalla Shire Council. http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/living-in/about/our-natural-environment/introduced-plants-and-animals/weeds/weed-profiles/paspalum-paspalum-dilatatum
FAO, 2017. Plant Production and Protection Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. http://www.fao.org/agriculture/crops/en/
Flora do Brasil, 2017. Brazilian Flora 2020 under construction. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. http://reflora.jbrj.gov.br/reflora/listaBrasil/ConsultaPublicaUC/ConsultaPublicaUC.do#CondicaoTaxonCP
Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2017. Flora of China. St. Louis, Missouri and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA: Missouri Botanical Garden and Harvard University Herbaria. http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=2
Hanelt P, 2017. Mansfeld’s World Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops. Gatersleben, Germany: Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK). http://mansfeld.ipk-gatersleben.de/apex/f?p=185:1:::NO
Heuzé V, Tran G, Sauvant D, 2015. Dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum). Feedipedia, animal feed resources information system. A programme by INRA, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. http://www.feedipedia.org/node/404
India Biodiversity Portal, 2017. Online Portal of India Biodiversity. http://indiabiodiversity.org/
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, 2017. Millennium Seed Bank - Seed List. Richmond, UK: Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. http://apps.kew.org/seedlist/SeedlistServlet
Missouri Botanical Garden, 2017. Tropicos database. http://www.tropicos.org/
Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 2017. Collection: vascular plants (P). https://science.mnhn.fr/institution/mnhn/collection/p/item/search
New York Botanical Garden, 2017. The C.V. Starr Virtual Herbarium. New York, USA: The New York Botanical Garden. http://sweetgum.nybg.org/science/vh/
PIER, 2017. Pacific Islands Ecosystems at Risk. Honolulu, USA: HEAR, University of Hawaii. http://www.hear.org/pier/index.html
PROSEA, 2017. Plant Resources of South-East Asia
PROTA, 2017. PROTA4U web database. Grubben GJH, Denton OA, eds. Wageningen, Netherlands: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. http://www.prota4u.org/search.asp
Quattrocchi U, 1999. CRC world dictionary of plant names: common names, scientific names, eponyms. Synonyms, and Etymology, Volume 4. Boca Raton, Florida, USA: CRC Press, 640 pp
The Plant List, 2017. The Plant List: a working list of all plant species. Version 1.1. London, UK: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. http://www.theplantlist.org
Tropical Forages, 2017. Tropical Forages: an interactive selection tool. Brisbane, Australia: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland, Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical and International Livestock Research Institute. http://www.tropicalforages.info/
University of Queensland, 2017. Weeds of Australia. Biosecurity Queensland Edition. Queensland, Australia: University of Queensland. https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/
UPRRP, 2017. UPRRP Herbarium. San Juan, Puerto Rico: University of Puerto Rico. http://herbario.uprrp.edu/
USDA-ARS, 2017. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Online Database. Beltsville, USA: National Germplasm Resources Laboratory. http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl
USDA-NRCS, 2017. The PLANTS Database. Baton Rouge, USA: National Plant Data Center. http://plants.usda.gov/
Distribution References
CABI, Undated. Compendium record. Wallingford, UK: CABI
DAISIE, 2017. Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe. http://www.europe-aliens.org/
Flora do Brasil, 2017. Brazilian Flora 2020 under construction., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. http://reflora.jbrj.gov.br/reflora/listaBrasil/ConsultaPublicaUC/ConsultaPublicaUC.do#CondicaoTaxonCP
Heuzé V, Tran G, Sauvant D, 2015. (Dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum)). In: Feedipedia, animal feed resources information system, INRA, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. http://www.feedipedia.org/node/404
India Biodiversity Portal, 2017. Online Portal of India Biodiversity., http://indiabiodiversity.org/
Missouri Botanical Garden, 2017. Tropicos database., St. Louis, Missouri, USA: Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.tropicos.org/
Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 2017. Collection: vascular plants (P)., https://science.mnhn.fr/institution/mnhn/collection/p/item/search
PIER, 2017. Pacific Islands Ecosystems at Risk., Honolulu, USA: HEAR, University of Hawaii. http://www.hear.org/pier/index.html
PROTA, 2017. PROTA4U web database., [ed. by Grubben GJH, Denton OA]. Wageningen, Netherlands: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. http://www.prota4u.org/search.asp
UPRRP, 2017. UPRRP Herbarium., San Juan, Puerto Rico: University of Puerto Rico. http://herbario.uprrp.edu/
USDA-ARS, 2017. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Online Database. Beltsville, Maryland, USA: National Germplasm Resources Laboratory. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomysimple.aspx
USDA-NRCS, 2017. The PLANTS Database. Greensboro, North Carolina, USA: National Plant Data Team. https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov
Links to Websites
Top of pageWebsite | URL | Comment |
---|---|---|
Canadian Food Inspection Agency | http://www.inspection.gc.ca/invasive | |
Eurobodalla Shire Council | http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/ | |
Flora do Brasil | http://reflora.jbrj.gov.br/reflora/listaBrasil/ConsultaPublicaUC/ConsultaPublicaUC.do#CondicaoTaxonCP | |
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | http://www.fao.org/agriculture/crops/en/ | |
India Biodiversity Portal | http://indiabiodiversity.org/ | |
Millennium Seed Bank | http://apps.kew.org/seedlist/SeedlistServlet | |
Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle database | http://www.mnhn.fr/ | |
New York Botanical Garden database | http://sweetgum.nybg.org/science/vh/ | |
The Barcode of Life Data Systems | http://www.boldsystems.org/index.php/TaxBrowser_Home | |
Tropical Forages | http://www.tropicalforages.info/ | |
UPRRP Herbarium database | http://herbario.uprrp.edu |
Contributors
Top of page07/02/17 Original text by:
Jeanine Vélez-Gavilán, Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, USA
Distribution Maps
Top of pageSelect a dataset
Map Legends
-
CABI Summary Records
Map Filters
Unsupported Web Browser:
One or more of the features that are needed to show you the maps functionality are not available in the web browser that you are using.
Please consider upgrading your browser to the latest version or installing a new browser.
More information about modern web browsers can be found at http://browsehappy.com/