Propagation, Management and Harvesting of Tiger Grass in the Highlands

Introduction

Tiger grass which is locally called 'boi-boi' in the Cordillera is the source of raw material used for softbroom making. Growing tiger grass is considered a viable livelihood venture because of its potential in generating cash income from the harvested panicles of the plant once proper management is employed.

This "Technology Transfer Series" confines its discussion only on the species Thysanolaena maxima due to its ability to thrive best in the highlands.

Tiger grass is propagated for the production of panicles for softbroom making. The stalks of the panicles form part of the softbroom handle, but when damaged, the stalks are used for the manufacture of handicrafts like giftboxes either big or small items.

Species Description and Characteristics
Distribution
Phenology
Propagation, Plantation Development and Management
Some Cultural Management of the Plantation
Harvesting of Panicles
Season of Harvesting

Species Description and Characteristics

There are two species of Tiger grass used in the manufacture of softbrooms. These are scientifically known as Thysanolaena maxima and Phragmites vulgaris of the family Graminae.

Thysanolaena maxima grows as high as 2.5 meters and can thrive at low to medium elevations but can grow faster in higher elevation. Normally, it grows in open areas particularly in logged-over areas, mountain slopes and ravines.

Its leaves are linear, about 5 cm wide and 30 cm long; and are alternately arranged at an interval of 12.5 cm. The panicles which are the main material for softbroom production has an average length of 50 cm while its stalk measures about 70 cm long. The panicles of the species are preferred for softbroom making because they are more durable and command higher market price.

On the other hand, Phragmites vulgaris is widely distributed in low and medium elevations. This variety grows in swamps along muddy streams or in places where there is stagnant or running water. Its leaves are also linear which are 2 to 3 cm wide and about 20 to 25 cm long. These are arranged alternatively at a regular interval of 5 cm. Its panicles are shorter than that of the Thysanolaena maxima with an average length of about 32 cm.

Moreover, both species are good planting materials for controlling soil erosion and as agroforestry crop. The leaves of the plant can be a good forage for ruminants like goat, cattle and other farm animals like the carabao.

Distribution

Tiger grass is being propagated by upland farmers in some parts of Benguet Province. Likewise, it grows abundantly in the highland areas of Ifugao and Mt. Province. It can be grown in many types of soils such as clay, sandy clay loam and sandy loam.

Phenology

A one and one-half year old Tiger grass starts producing panicles in good sites. Panicle is the branching inflorescence in which small flowers are borne along an elongated axis. The panicles usually develop from October to March every year.

Propagation, Plantation Development and Management

Techniques in propagation

There are two known methods of propagating Tiger grass namely, by seeds and by rootstocks.

However, propagating by seeds is rarely done because spacing between plants can not be regulated and will take a long time for the plant to mature and produce panicles. Because of this, propagating Tiger grass by rootstock is commonly used. Clumps of mature Tiger grass are uprooted, and the upper portion of the grass is cut. About 12-15 cm of the culm measured from the rootstock is left and can be divided into 3 culm individual rootstock.

Site preparation

Rootstocks of Tiger grass can be planted directly in prepared planting sites. But for better results, the following should be observed: Planting sites should be prepared by completely removing the grass and other undesirable vegetation; strip clearing or spot-ring clearing methods may be employed; and planting holes of about 30-50 cm in diameter shall be prepared for the rootstocks.

Method of planting

As mentioned earlier, Tiger grass can be propagated by seeds or by rootstocks. But for rootstocks, they are planted in prepared planting holes. Planting holes of about 30-50 cm in diameter are prepared first before the rootstocks which are collected from the mother plants are finally planted.

Planting season

For best results, the rootstocks should be planted during the onset of the rainy season. The plants will produce more shoots and could yield more panicles.

Spacing between plants

The ideal spacing requirements of Tiger grass when planted in pure plantation is 4 m x 4 m. If interplanted with other crops like fruit trees, the recommended spacing is 8 m x 8 m.

Soil and fertilizer requirements

Tiger grass can thrive in many types of soil such as clay, sandy clay loam, and sandy loam. However, fertilization can be done in areas where soil nutrients are deficient to enhance growth and flower development of the plants. The appropriate fertilizer application is 20 grams of NPK (or complete fertilizer) per rootstock or plant. Fertilizer should be applied 10 cm away from the base of the plant and dug around to mix the fertilizer with the soil.

Some Cultural Management of the Plantation

The success of a Tiger grass plantation is dependent on the cultural management schemes to be employed. The following are the recommended management practices to be undertaken:

1. One year after planting, inventory of the mortality should be conducted so that replanting can be immediately done during the next rainy season.
2. To minimize competition of soil nutrients, space, light and moisture, weeding should be done during the rainy season when there is abundant growth of competing vegetation.
3. Fertilization may be done in areas deficient of soil nutrients to enhance growth and flower development following the rate mentioned earlier.
4. Plantations should be protected from astray animals and wild fires.

Harvesting of Panicles

When the panicles reach a length of about 70 cm and more, they can already be harvested. The following are some recommended techniques when harvesting Tiger grass:

1. Cut the panicles with a sharp sickle or bolo when they are still green and soft. This could ease the cleaning and removal of seeds. Mature ones are hard and rough, and could result to low quality brooms.
2. When the panicles have been harvested, cut about 90% of the aerial part of the plant so that more tillers/shoots will develop during the next rainy season.
3. Harvested panicles must be dried under direct sunlight for about 2-3 days.
4. During and after the drying period, the seeds must be removed by shaking or patting them lightly against a big stone or a concrete pavement.
5. After drying and cleaning, panicles must be bundled into an average size of about 7 cm in diameter per bundle. Each bundle consists of an average of 210 panicles.
6. Bundled panicles are then ready for softbroom-making and marketing. The panicles are then sold and delivered to softbroom manufacturers.

Season of Harvesting

Panicles usually develop from October to March. The best time therefore to harvest the panicles is during the months of February and March. Make sure that the panicles reaches the desired length, softness and greenness to produce quality softbrooms. The age of the panicles to be harvested is 5 months.

Source: DENR-CAR, 1992. Technology Transfer Series, Vol. 2(2).