Pioneer grass and soil erosion control
Molasses grass is a remarkable pioneer grass in areas that have been burnt or in very rocky places. It thrives on ashes and out-competes weeds that may develop after fire (FAO, 2011). Its vigorous growth also prevents erosion of recently burnt soils (mainly ashes) (Ecocrop, 2011; FAO, 2011).
Weed and biodiversity reduction
Melinis minutiflora is considered a weed in several places because of its outstanding ability to grow and out-compete other species in harsh conditions (Ecocrop, 2011; Partridge, 2003). Its seed dormancy and high seed viability contribute to the dispersal of its seeds in wildlife protection areas (Carmona et al., 2010). It is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity in the Brazilian Cerrado (Martins et al., 2004). This fast growing grass invades degraded areas and is often found at forest edges (Williams et al., 2000). It is prone to fire and increases fire intensity: this may hamper forest regeneration and prevent other pioneer plants from developing (Hoffmann et al., 2004; Shrestha, 2004). In Brazil, several experiments have been carried out in order to test control methods. Burning was not an effective control method (Martins et al., 2004) and adverse factors such as shade, inter and intraspecific competition, low soil fertility and water stress did not completely eliminate all of the recently established individuals of the last rainy season (Martins et al., 2009)
Biological control agent
Molasses grass, in association with Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) may be a valuable biological agent to control maize stemborer moth species (Busseola fusca and Chilo partellus). When it is sown between maize rows, the molasses grass emits two chemical signals: one chemical has a repellent effect on the stemborers, and the other chemical attracts the wasp Cotesia sesamiae, a stemborer parasite. The stemborer moths repelled from the maize plot go to hatch on Napier grass. The Napier grass leaves bored by the larvae release a sticky liquid that kills almost all larvae while the surviving ones are attacked by Cotesia sesamiae (Parrott, 2005).