Plants are good seed producers but show great variability in their ability to germinate. Usually the very light seeds are spread by wind, allowing invasion of new areas. Due to glume removal, the embryo becomes exposed directly to light and moisture, causing higher germination. Also increased depth of planting of seed lowers the germination percentage. Periodic tillering from the underground rhizome maintains the perennial habit of this grass.
Forms open turf under grazing.
Harvesting Cut before flowering, for use as hay and silage. Yields and Economics Dichanthuium. Used extensively throughout the range of Southeast Asia and the East Indies. Sometimes used in the West Indies as well, especially for rough lawns. Uredo susica, Uromyces andropogonis-annulati, U. clygni, Ustilago duthiei.