Overview
Echinochloa turneriana, also known as Turner's barnyard grass or Rato tandul in Hindi, is a type of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is an annual plant that is widely distributed in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The plant is highly adaptable to different weather conditions and soil types, making it a commonly cultivated crop in many parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Appearance
Echinochloa turneriana can grow up to 150cm in height. The leaves are broad and flat, and can grow up to 20cm long and 1.5cm wide. The stems are cylindrical and slightly swollen at the nodes. The flowers are borne at the end of the stems and are arranged in a panicle. Each flower has a pair of small bracts that are usually shorter than the flowers themselves. The seeds are oval, rounded and compressed, about 2mm long, and brownish in color.
Uses
Echinochloa turneriana is primarily grown as a food crop in many parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. The plant is used as a source of grain, which is rich in carbohydrates and essential amino acids. It is also used as fodder for livestock, particularly for cows and buffaloes. In addition, the plant has some medicinal properties and is believed to be useful in treating a range of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and bronchitis.
hereLight Conditions
Echinochloa turneriana requires full sunlight to grow properly. The plant thrives in areas where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Although it can tolerate some shade, it performs best in full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Echinochloa turneriana grows well in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. The minimum temperature required for growth is around 15°C, while the maximum is about 45°C. The plant can withstand mild frost but cannot tolerate extremely cold temperatures. It is best to grow Echinochloa turneriana in warm and tropical areas.
Soil Requirements
Echinochloa turneriana prefers moist and well-drained soils. The ideal pH range for the plant to grow is between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils or drought conditions. Sandy loam or clay loam soils are the best for Echinochloa turneriana. It can also grow in slightly saline soils but does not perform well in highly saline ones.
Cultivation methods
Echinochloa turneriana is best grown in well-draining soil with high fertility. It can tolerate saline, alkaline, and water-logged soils but grows best in rich, moist soils. The plant requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can be propagated by either seed sowing or division of root clumps.
Watering needs
Proper watering is crucial for the growth of Echinochloa turneriana. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the plant should not be allowed to dry out completely between watering.
Fertilization
Echinochloa turneriana is a fast-growing plant and requires regular fertilization to maintain optimal health and growth. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer, should be applied every two to three weeks during the growing season. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates to avoid over-fertilization and damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the growth of Echinochloa turneriana. However, it may be necessary to remove dead or damaged stems and leaves for aesthetic purposes. To do this, use a clean, sharp pair of pruners, and cut the stem just above the nearest leaf or side branch. Regular pruning can also help prevent the plant from becoming overly woody and sprawling.
Propagation of Echinochloa turneriana (Domin) J. M. Black
Echinochloa turneriana (Domin) J. M. Black can be propagated through both sexual and vegetative means. The most common method of propagation is through seed.
Propagation through Seed
Seeds of Echinochloa turneriana (Domin) J. M. Black can be collected from the mature plants, which usually start to flower and produce seeds in late summer or early fall. The seeds must be fully mature before they are collected to ensure their viability. The collected seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until it is time to plant them.
Before planting the seeds, the soil must be prepared by removing any weeds or debris and tilling the soil to create a smooth bed. The seeds can be broadcasted by hand or using a seed drill, and lightly covered with soil.
Echinochloa turneriana (Domin) J. M. Black seeds germinate quickly, usually within a week or two, and the seedlings can be thinned out to provide sufficient space for growth.
Propagation through Vegetative Means
Echinochloa turneriana (Domin) J. M. Black can also be propagated through vegetative means, such as stem cuttings, rhizome division, and transplantation of young plants.
Stem cuttings can be taken from the mature plants, and the lower leaves can be removed before planting the cuttings in a well-prepared soil bed. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm until they take root, which usually takes a few weeks.
Rhizome division is another method of vegetative propagation, which involves separating the rhizomes of mature plants and planting them in a prepared bed. The rhizomes must be handled carefully to avoid damage and planted at the same depth as they were in their original location.
Transplantation of young plants is also a viable method of propagation, which involves digging up and transplanting the seedlings to a new location.
Disease Management
Echinochloa turneriana is susceptible to various diseases, including blast, brown spot, and sheath blight.
Blast: Blast is a fungal disease that causes lesions on leaves, stems, and panicles. To manage blast, crop rotation, and timely application of fungicides are essential. Use resistant varieties and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.
Brown Spot: Brown spot is a fungal disease that causes elongated lesions with brown centers and yellow halos. To manage brown spot, practice crop rotation, remove crop debris, adjust plant density, and apply fungicides when necessary.
Sheath Blight: Sheath blight is a fungal disease that causes water-soaked lesions on leaves and stems, leading to plant death. To manage sheath blight, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, irrigation, and density. Apply fungicides and practice crop rotation.
Pest Management
Echinochloa turneriana is also prone to insect pests, including stem borers, leafhoppers, and green leafhoppers.
Stem Borers: Stem borers are the primary insect pests of E. turneriana. They cause wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage stem borers, use resistant varieties, remove crop debris, and consider biological control measures.
Leafhoppers and Green Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers and green leafhoppers can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry. To manage them, adopt cultural practices such as removing crop residues and controlling weeds. Use insecticides and biological control measures when necessary.
