Digitaria insularis
Digitaria insularis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Digitaria insularis, commonly known as smooth crabgrass, is a significant weed that poses challenges in various agricultural settings. Recent studies have focused on evaluating the biological potential of its leaf components through various chemical preparations. Researchers have utilized butanolic (BT), crude hydroethanolic (CH), ethyl acetate (EA), and fraction 2 (Fr2) extracts to explore their efficacy. These investigations specifically examine the plant's activities as an acaricide and its impact on anticholinesterase functions. Furthermore, the research explores how these extracts influence biological processes such as oviposition.
- Synonyms
- Rhynchospora Fabri · Schoenus Fabri · 12 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Poaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Digitaria insularis is a resilient species that is known by several distinct regional names. In many areas, it is most frequently referred to as sourgrass due to its specific characteristics. It is also widely recognized by the common name long grass, which describes its growth habit. Depending on the local dialect or agricultural context, it may also be called capim-amargoso. Understanding these various common names is essential for accurate identification in the field.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Digitaria insularis is a plant species that has been documented under several different botanical names throughout history. Due to varying taxonomic classifications, it is recognized by synonyms such as Andropogon fabricii and Andropogon insularis. Researchers also refer to this species using the names Digitaria leucophaea and Milium hirsutum in certain scientific contexts. Additionally, the name Nardus dactyloides has been applied to it in previous studies. Understanding these diverse nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate identification in botanical literature.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Digitaria insularis is a member of the vast kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse world of living vegetation. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its place among the most prominent plant groups. This species belongs to the order Poales, a lineage known for its distinct morphological characteristics. Specifically, it is nested within the family Poaceae, which contains the widely recognized grasses. Ultimately, its botanical identity is defined by its membership in the genus Digitaria.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Digitaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Digitaria insularis exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across several diverse climatic zones. Within the Asian continent, the species is found in temperate regions such as Eastern Asia and the Kazan-retto area. Its presence extends deeply into tropical Asia, specifically throughout Malesia, the Philippines, and the various islands of Papuasia including New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Beyond Asia, the plant also establishes itself in the Northern Hemisphere, specifically within the central regions of Mexico. This wide distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to a variety of distinct environmental conditions.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Digitaria insularis exhibits an herb growth form that allows it to thrive in various environments. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains its structural integrity without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Digitaria insularis has emerged as a promising candidate for the development of eco-friendly and cost-effective ectoparasiticide products. Research indicates that leaf extracts from this plant exhibit significant in vitro acaricide activity against the bovine tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Specifically, certain extracts and fractions were able to reduce reproductive parameters, such as oviposition and hatching rates, by more than 90%. Beyond its ability to control ticks, the plant also demonstrates notable anticholinesterase activity, which may be linked to its biological impact. These findings suggest that the secondary metabolites found within the plant play a crucial role in its potential as a natural pest control agent.
Compounds
Conditions
Digitaria insularis demonstrates significant in vitro acaricidal activity against the bovine tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The plant extracts effectively target reproductive efficacy by reducing oviposition by more than 90%. Additionally, these extracts successfully lower the hatching rate of the ticks, performing similarly to positive controls. Research indicates that this biological action is linked to the plant's ability to treat anticholinesterase activity through enzymatic inhibition. These combined effects suggest that Digitaria insularis serves as a potent natural alternative for managing ectoparasite populations.
Preparations
Digitaria insularis is prepared as butanolic (BT) extracts, crude hydroethanolic (CH) extracts, and ethyl acetate (EA) extracts to evaluate their biological activities. The plant is also processed into hexanic (HE) extracts for testing against the bovine tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Furthermore, the leaves are processed to produce fraction 2 (Fr2) through the fractionation of the hexanic extracts. These various forms, including the butanolic, hydroethanolic, ethyl acetate, and hexanic preparations, are used to investigate acaricidal and anticholinesterase properties. Among these, the fraction 2 (Fr2) preparation demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing reproductive parameters.
Parts used
Digitaria insularis contains bioactive components that can be utilized for sustainable pest management. Research has specifically focused on the medicinal potential found within the leaf of this plant to combat bovine ticks. By testing various extracts obtained from these leaves, scientists discovered significant inhibitory effects on tick reproduction. The studies highlight that specific fractions of the leaf extract effectively reduce oviposition and hatching rates. Ultimately, these findings suggest that the leaf of Digitaria insularis serves as a promising source for developing eco-friendly acaricides.