Overview
Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell. belongs to the family Poaceae and is commonly known as Abyssinian oat. This plant is primarily used as a forage source for livestock in the highlands of Ethiopia and is also used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility.
Origin
Avena strigosa subsp. abyssinica is believed to have originated from the highlands of Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Northern Kenya. The plant is well-adapted to cool and wet upland environments, making it an ideal crop in the Ethiopian highlands, which are characterized by high altitude and high rainfall.
Common Names
Avena strigosa subsp. abyssinica has various common names in different languages, including
- Oat hay (English)
- Bilicha (Amharic)
- Shiikoo (Oromo)
- Tokkichaa (Tigrigna)
Appearance
The plant has a tufted growth habit and can grow to a height of 1.5m. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring 30-60cm in length and 3-5mm in width. The leaf blades are flat and constricted at the base, with a rough surface texture. The inflorescence is a panicle that measures 10-30cm in length and has many branches. The spikelets are 2-4 flowered and are oblong or ovate in shape, measuring 10-15mm in length. The seeds are flat and have a brownish-yellow color.
Uses
Avena strigosa subsp. abyssinica is a multi-purpose crop with various uses:
- As a forage: The plant is commonly used as a forage source to feed livestock. The forage has a high crude protein content, which is essential for animal growth and development.
- As a cover crop: The plant is also used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility. The extensive root system of the plant helps to improve soil structure and prevent soil degradation.
- As a human food: The seeds of the plant can be processed into flour and used for human consumption. The flour can be used to make porridge, bread, and other food products.
Light Requirements
Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell. requires full sunlight to grow. It can tolerate partial shade, but the growth rate will be slower. The plant is ideal for planting in areas with direct and unobstructed sunlight exposure of at least six hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell. growth is between 15 to 27°C (59 to 80.6°F). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F), but prolonged exposure to temperatures below this level might cause stunted growth, yellowing, and premature flowering. Similarly, exposure to temperatures above 30°C (86°F) may cause wilting and leaf scorching.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils over prolonged waterlogging. It can grow in various soil types, ranging from sandy to clay soils, but the ideal soil is loamy and fertile with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. For best results, soil fertility should be improved by adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Cultivation Methods
Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell. is a cool-season crop that is best grown in areas with mild winters and moderate rainfall. It requires well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The seeds are usually sown directly in the field after the last frost date. The planting depth should be about 2-3 cm, and the spacing between plants should be around 10-15 cm.Watering Needs
Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell. requires regular watering, especially during its early growth stages. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Irrigation should be done deeply but infrequently, and the frequency of watering should decrease as the plant matures.Fertilization
Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell. requires a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen. The fertilizer should be applied at a rate of 50 kg per hectare at planting and again after the first cut. Nitrogen topdressing can be done after every second cut at a rate of 30-40 kg per hectare. The phosphorus and potassium requirements of the plant are minimal since they are usually present in sufficient amounts in the soil.Pruning
Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell. is a grass crop that does not require regular pruning. However, the seed heads can be removed before they shatter to prevent self-seeding and to promote regrowth. If the plant becomes too tall, mowing can be done to reduce its height, but it should not be done too frequently to avoid weakening the plant.Propagation methods for Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell.
Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell., commonly known as Ethiopian oat, is propagated either by seeds or vegetative methods.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell. and is relatively easy. The plant produces small, oval-shaped seeds that can be sown directly in the ground or in containers. The best time to sow the seeds is in the early spring, when the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed.
The seeds should be sown thinly, evenly spaced, and buried to a depth of 1-2 cm in soil that has been well-prepared. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be thinned to allow for proper growth and development.
Propagation by vegetative methods
Propagation by vegetative methods is less common than propagation by seeds, but it can be useful in certain situations. This method involves taking a stem or root cutting from a healthy plant and using it to grow a new plant.
To propagate Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell. using this method, select a healthy plant and take a cutting from the stem or the root. The cutting should be around 5-8 cm long and should have several leaves or roots attached to it. The cutting should be planted in well-prepared soil and kept moist until it has established roots and new growth.
It is important to note that not all plants can be propagated using this method and that it may not be as reliable as seed propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell
Avena strigosa Schreb. subsp. abyssinica (Hochst.) Thell. is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can significantly affect its growth and yield. Therefore, it is crucial to implement proper disease and pest management practices to protect the plant from these threats.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Avena strigosa is crown rust caused by Puccinia coronata. The disease can reduce plant growth and yield by infecting the leaves and stem of the plant with yellow to orange pustules.
Another disease that affects the plant is stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis. The disease is characterized by reddish-brown or black spots on the stem that can cause lodging and reduce yield.
Disease Management
To manage crown rust and stem rust, farmers should plant disease-resistant varieties. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease when the crop is in the early stages of growth. Farmers should also adopt good crop management practices such as timely planting, weed control, and proper fertilization to minimize the risk of disease infection.
Common Pests
The most common pest that affects Avena strigosa is the oat aphid. The aphids suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and reduced yield. Other pests that can also attack the plant include armyworms, cutworms, and wireworms.
Pest Management
Integrated pest management (IPM) practices are the most effective way to control pests in Avena strigosa. IPM combines various pest management techniques such as cultural practices, biological control, and chemical control. Farmers should monitor crop fields regularly for pests and adopt preventative measures such as crop rotation, the use of trap crops and mechanical control. Insecticides can be used as a last resort in severe pest infestations.
