Durba or Bermuda Grass

Common names:  Bermuda grass, Durba grass, Bahama grass, Crab grass, Devil's grass, couch grass, Indian doab, grama, wiregrass and scutch grass.

Scientific Name: Cynodon dactylon

Feed categories: Pasture land and Cut-carry or Grass-forage

Physical characteristics

The species of Durba grass is leafy. According to Cook et al. (2005), the blue-green leaf blades are smooth on the lower surface and moderately hairy on the upper one, measuring 2–20 cm long and 2–6 mm wide.

Production / Availability:

Cynodon dactylon Pers., commonly known as Durba or Bermuda grass, is a prominent tropical grass species that is widely distributed in both tropical and subtropical regions. According to Cook et al. (2005), this grass is resilient to different stresses, and long-lived perennial grass. The plant has the ability to survive in various soil conditions, ranging from a pH of 4.3 to 8.4 (with the best growth occurring above 5.5). However, it prefers fertile soils that are deep and well-drained. Additionally, it has the ability to withstand soils that are unfertile. This grass exhibits a wide distribution in regions that are not cultivated, such as roadsides, sandy banks along the sea coast or rivers, irrigated land (Ecoport, 2012) and around houses. Durba grass generally can survive in adverse conditions for long periods.

This grass is known as a weed in crop fields and Durba grass in Bangladesh. According to agronomists, any unwanted plant growing in a crop field is considered a weed. Apart from being used as fodder for animals, research shows that this grass is also used as medicine for humans. Also, golf courses in Bangladesh require green grass to prepare and enhance their beauty. Most of the time, local varieties of durba grass are seen in the golf courses.

In our country, Durba grass does not require specific cultivation. Soon after the first rains of Boishak, this grass starts growing spontaneously in the fields around the houses. Their roots are in clusters under the soil. Naturally, it can form a carpet-like shape parallel to the soil using stolons. However, carpeting depends a lot on grass cuttings. The grass can grow from 10 to 40 cm tall. Surprising but true, the roots of durba grass can penetrate up to 6 feet below the ground. However, about 80 percent of durba grass roots can reach a depth of 6 inches into the soil. It should be noted that the length of the roots of durba grass depends on the structure of the soil. Both excess water and shade are harmful to durba grass.

Bermuda or Durba grass has an outstanding spreading ability, the stolons being able to grow more than 7.5 cm/day. It is used to form dense swards, lawns and turf (Ecoport, 2012; FAO, 2012). DM yields are about 5-15 tons/ha (FAO, 2012).