However, it is more economical and practical to establish the crop by seeding. Small areas are often hand-planted by using these divided crowns. It tillers profusely, producing tufts or clumps up to 30 cm or more wide. Harvesting Produces abundant shattering seed, the heaviest crop during the wet season, a lighter crop during spring and summer. Rotational grazing is essential if continuous production of young leafy herbage is to be maintained.
Plants die rapidly under close continuous grazing.
Molassasgrass is sometimes grown with guineagrass to give a rapid ground cover. Seed set should be allowed every 2 years to fill gaps in stand. Seed yields fluctuate greatly. This grass is of primary economic importance in many tropical countries, including East Africa, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, Puerto Pico, and South America. It is also attacked by the bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum var.