Origin and Common Names
Digitaria abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Stapf var. scalarum (Schweinf.) Stapf, commonly known as African finger millet or vinamulenge in Tanzania, is a plant species in the grass family Poaceae. It is native to Eastern Africa and is widely distributed in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Uses
African finger millet is an important crop in Africa, especially in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania. The grain can be ground into flour and used to make porridge, bread, and other foods. It is rich in protein, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins, and is therefore a valuable source of nutrition for people in rural areas. Additionally, the plant is used for forage, erosion control, and as a soil binder in agroforestry systems.
General Appearance
Digitaria abyssinica is an annual plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall, with a slender and erect stem. The leaves are elongated and narrow, measuring up to 60 centimeters in length, and are arranged alternately along the stem. The inflorescence is a narrow and spike-like panicle that can measure up to 40 centimeters in length and is composed of numerous tiny spikelets. The spikelets are green at first but turn yellowish-brown at maturity and contain small spherical seeds that are about 2 millimeters in diameter.
hereLight Requirements
Digitaria abyssinica var. scalarum thrives in areas with high light intensity. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow well. However, it can still grow under partial shade, but the yield may be lower compared to plants growing under full sun.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria abyssinica var. scalarum can grow in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 15 to 35°C. However, the optimum temperature for growth and development is between 25 and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C or above 35°C can significantly affect its growth and yield.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained and fertile soils rich in organic matter. It can grow in soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 8.0. However, the optimum pH range for growth and development is slightly acidic to neutral soils with pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should also be free from weeds and pests, which can compete with the plant for nutrients and reduce its yield.
Cultivation
Digitaria abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Stapf var. scalarum (Schweinf.) Stapf, also known as African finger millet, is a warm-season grass that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant can be grown in various types of soil but prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
The seeds are sown in rows at a depth of 1-2 cm and the distance between the rows should be around 30-40 cm. The optimum planting time is at the onset of the rainy season, and the seedlings emerge after 5-7 days.
Watering needs
African finger millet requires regular watering, especially during the establishment phase. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as excess water can cause root rot. Watering can be reduced during the flowering and grain-filling stages.
Fertilization
Digitaria abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Stapf var. scalarum (Schweinf.) Stapf responds well to organic fertilizers such as manure, compost, and green manure. Fertilizers should be applied before planting or during the early stages of growth. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are recommended during the establishment phase to promote vegetative growth while phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizers are recommended during flowering and grain-filling stages to promote reproductive growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for African finger millet. However, dead leaves and stems should be removed to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. The plant should also be harvested when the grains are fully mature and dried to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Propagation of Digitaria abyssinica var. scalarum
Digitaria abyssinica var. scalarum can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant produces seeds that can be collected and sown in well-prepared soil. The seeds need to be sown at a depth of about 1 cm and spaced 5-10 cm apart. The optimal time for planting is during the beginning of rainy seasons, as it helps increase the germination rate of the seeds. Watering the soil regularly can also help increase the chances of germination.
Asexual Propagation
Digitaria abyssinica var. scalarum can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and the chosen stem should be about 10 cm long. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil, with about 2-3 nodes in the soil. They should be watered regularly to ensure that the soil remains moist. With proper care, the cuttings should start to develop roots within a month, and new shoots should emerge shortly after.
While both sexual and asexual propagation can be successful with Digitaria abyssinica var. scalarum, propagating through cuttings may be a better choice as it can ensure that the new plant has the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Disease management
Digitaria abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Stapf var. scalarum (Schweinf.) Stapf is susceptible to various diseases such as leaf spot, rust, and smut. Leaf spot disease causes small, round, necrotic spots on the leaves, while rust disease causes orange or yellow pustules on the leaves. Smut disease causes swelling and blackening of the plant tissues.
To manage leaf spot and rust diseases, it is important to keep the plant foliage dry by avoiding overhead irrigation and ensuring adequate spacing between the plants. Fungicides such as copper-based compounds and chlorothalonil can also be used to control these diseases. To manage smut disease, infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed, and crop rotation should be practiced.
Pest management
Digitaria abyssinica (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Stapf var. scalarum (Schweinf.) Stapf is susceptible to various pests such as armyworms, cutworms, and aphids. Armyworms and cutworms feed on the plant foliage and can cause significant damage, while aphids suck the sap from the plant.
To manage armyworms and cutworms, handpicking and destroying the pests can be effective for small infestations. In larger infestations, insecticides such as carbaryl and pyrethroids can be used. To manage aphids, natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the area, or insecticidal soap can be used to control them.
