A problematic weed-dubo in crop field can be a good source of nutrient

A problematic weed-dubo(Cynodon dactylon) in crop field can be a good source of nutrient and can treat the problem of Nepalese nutrient deficiency with no cost.

Nepal is a poor developing country and much of the population of the country is facing severe nutritional deficiency symptoms leading to dangerous diseases like malnutrition, anaemia, and many more. By knowing the medicinal importance of some hatred grasses in crop field can be a good friend in terms of nutrition.

Description
Cynodon dactylon, known as Dubo, Bermuda grass is a grass found worldwide. It is native to almost all part of the world except Antartica. The blades are grey-green in colour and short, usually 2-15 cm with rough edges. The stems can grow 1-30 cm tall.

It has deep root system and can survive in harsh conditions too. In draught conditions the root can grow over 2 metres deep for the survival. The grass creeps along the ground and can reproduce itself with very single node. Reproduction takes through seeds, stolons and rhizomes. Growth begins at temperature above 15-degree Celsius with optimum growth between 24 and 37 degrees Celsius. In winter the grass becomes dormant and turns brown. Growth is promoted by full sun and retarded by full shade, e.g., close to trees.

Cultivation
Cynodon dactylon is widely cultivated in warm climates all over the world. Detailed study of dubo on behalf its anti-stress and adaptogenic properties have been done to improve the quality of grass. More than hundreds of cultivars have been created for environmental tolerance and stakeholder requirements.

Ecology of the plant
Cynodon dactylon is a highly aggressive invasive species as it spreads undesirably or harmfully, crowing out most other grasses and invading other’s habitats and became a hard to eradicate plant in some areas. Some gardeners call it as devil grass and it is difficult to control and highly resistant to some herbicides.

Religious importance
In Nepal it is commonly known as dubo, which is placed as a highly religious grass in Ayurveda system of medicine. It is considered important in the worship of Lord Ganesha. It has been the part of Hindu rituals since Vedic times and it is still of same importance in religious activities. In bhai tika it is used by women to apply oil in the body of their brothers. In marriages dubo ko Mala is used to wear by groom and bride which resembles as a prestige and respect like a king.

Aesthetic importance
Cynodon dactylon is of great aesthetic importance. It is used to prepare lawns. It is fast growing less water requirement and response to frequent mowing makes it excellent turf grass. It is highly suitable for areas like playgrounds and parks on account of its tolerance to war and has good recuperation habit. Foliage gets killed and regrows from rhizomes when soil warm up.

Medicinal and nutritional importance
Cynodon dactylon is of highly medicinal and nutritional importance. It is used as a laxative (have a tendency to loosen or relax especially bowel movements and relieving constipation), coolant, expectorant (used to cure cough and helps to release sputum by the air passage), carminative (releases or helps to prevent formation of gas in stomach or intestines) and as heart and brain tonic. It is used to treat all types of bleeding and skin troubles. The dubo leaf juice has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory nature and aids in healing skin rashes, eczema, itching, and leprosy. It is also a good against fungal diseases. Drinking dubo juice on regular basis on empty stomach detoxifies the system and enhances skin glow. It is highly rich in antioxidants, minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron, vitamins A and C which scavenges free radical damages, avert chronic inflammation and keep disease at the bay. It is good for regulating blood sugar level and keeps blood pressure at the level. It is anti-microbial, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties.

Nutrient deficiency in Nepal
Nepal as being a developing country, majority of population is lack of proper nutrition. In Nepal around 1 million children under 5 years (36%) suffer from chronic malnutrition (stunting low height for age) and 10 percent suffer from acute malnutrition (wasting of low weight for height). Majority of females suffer from diseases like scurvy, pellagra, low platelets count, anaemia, leprosy and constipation is a problem of every Nepalese stomach.

Role of Cynodon dactylon in Nepalese nutrition security
Due to the lack of knowledge about the importance of Cynodon dactylon people consider it only as a problematic weed but they are beware of nutritional and medicinal importance of this plant. Dubo grass is of highly nutritious value as it contains very important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which are very rare in rural Nepalese dish. Proper knowledge about the benefits and uses of certain problematic weeds in field crops can be a very useful for the healthy lifestyle and can cure many diseases which is rooted in rural Nepalese society.

Method to use Cynodon dactylon- dubo
Dubo is found almost everywhere and we can collect leaves and stolons of dubo grass and clean properly with clean water and make a fine paste of dubo and mix in water and filter and extract green
juice of dubo. Drinking juice of dubo grass leaves 2-3 times a day can prevent from many nutrient deficiency diseases and promotes health. So, it is necessary to teach every Nepalese about the importance of majority of medicinal grasses which can promote rural health.