Overview
Eleusine africana Kennedy & O'Byrne, also known as African finger grass, is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. The plant has a wide range of uses, including medicinal and agricultural purposes.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to Africa and is widely distributed throughout the continent. It is also found in other parts of the world such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, and Australia. African finger grass thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with annual rainfall ranging from 500 to 1300 mm.
Common Names
African finger grass is known by various common names, including lalang-alang in Indonesia, imvomvo in South Africa, and kurekure in Zimbabwe.
Uses
African finger grass has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. The plant is also used as a natural insecticide and as animal fodder. In agriculture, it is used as a cover crop, to prevent soil erosion and to enrich the soil with nitrogen.
General Appearance
African finger grass can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has a deep root system that enables it to survive in harsh environments. Its stem is slender and can have up to 13 nodes per plant. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring about 20-40 cm in length, and 2-4 mm in width. The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle that measures up to 30 cm in length and contains many spikelets with two or three florets.
The plant has a high tolerance for drought and can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy and clay soils. It can also withstand a wide range of temperatures, from 10 to 45°C. Its adaptability and multiple uses make it an important plant for both traditional and modern-day agriculture.
Light Requirements
Eleusine africana is a sun-loving plant, and it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight can lead to stunted growth and poor yield. Growers should ensure that the plant is not shaded by other plants or structures.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Eleusine africana growth is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant can tolerate high temperatures of up to 35°C but may experience reduced growth rates. Low temperatures can lead to a slower growth rate or even plant death. Growers should ensure that the plant is not exposed to frost or temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Eleusine africana grows well in loamy soils that are well-draining and have good water-holding capacity. Soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate low soil fertility but will perform better in fertile soils with enough organic matter. It is crucial to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged since the plant is prone to root rot. Growers should choose well-draining soils or use raised beds to improve drainage.
Cultivation methods
Eleusine africana is a hardy and adaptable plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, ranging from sandy to loamy soil. It can tolerate drought conditions and can grow in areas with low rainfall. The plant prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.
The best time to plant the seeds is at the beginning of the rainy season. Sow the seeds in shallow trenches, cover with soil and water thoroughly. The plant will germinate within 7-14 days. Thin the seedlings to a spacing of 10-15cm apart.
Watering needs
Eleusine africana needs moderate watering. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Increase the watering frequency during periods of drought and decrease it when there is heavy rainfall. Avoid overwatering as it can cause waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Eleusine africana requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and yield. Apply a general-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. You can also use organic fertilizers such as compost and manure to enrich the soil. Avoid applying too much fertilizer as it can cause the plant to produce lush foliage at the expense of seed production.
Pruning
Eleusine africana does not require regular pruning. However, you can trim the plant occasionally to promote bushy growth and prevent it from becoming too tall and straggly. Trim the plant by cutting off the top third of the stem using a sharp pair of pruning shears. Avoid pruning too much as it can reduce seed production.
Propagation of Eleusine africana Kennedy & O'Byrne
Eleusine africana Kennedy & O'Byrne is propagated both by seeds and vegetative means.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Eleusine africana Kennedy & O'Byrne can be collected from the matured spikelet of the plant. After harvesting the seeds, they should be cleaned, separated from debris and stored in a cool and dry place until needed. The seeds can be directly seeded in the field or nursery beds. Before sowing the seeds, the soil should be prepared by removing weeds and rocks and loosening the soil surface.
For the direct seeding method, sow the seeds evenly in rows with a spacing of 20 to 30 cm between them. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and press them firmly into the ground. Water the seeds regularly, making sure that the soil remains moist until the seeds germinate. Germination usually takes around 10 to 14 days.
The nursery bed method requires the seeds to be sown in a nursery bed with good drainage. The seeds should be sown evenly in rows and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seedlings should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. After around one month, the seedlings should be transplanted to permanent field positions.
Propagation by Vegetative means
Propagation by vegetative means involves the use of stem cuttings. The stems of Eleusine africana Kennedy & O'Byrne are cut into 15 to 20 cm lengths, and the leaves are removed from the lower half of the stem. The cuttings are then planted in a well-prepared seedbed or directly in the field.
The cuttings are planted vertically, and the soil is pressed firmly around the base of the cutting. Water the cuttings regularly, making sure that the soil around them remains moist. The cuttings will start to grow roots and shoots within 10 to 14 days.
Propagation by vegetative means is faster than propagation by seeds and can be used to rapidly establish planting materials for a new crop.
Disease Management
Eleusine africana is susceptible to several fungal diseases that can affect its growth and yield. The most common diseases include smut, leaf spot, and rust. To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices in the field. This can be achieved by removing and destroying any infected plant material as soon as it is detected.
Another effective disease management practice is crop rotation. This involves alternating the planting of Eleusine africana with other crops that are not susceptible to the same diseases. Additionally, the use of resistant cultivars can help to minimize disease incidence and severity.
Pest Management
Several pests can attack Eleusine africana, including cutworms, armyworms, and grasshoppers. Cutworms can cause damage to the plants by cutting through the stem, resulting in lodging or death of the plant. Armyworms and grasshoppers feed on the leaves, causing skeletonization and reduction in photosynthesis.
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the crop regularly and apply appropriate control measures as necessary. One effective pest management practice is the use of natural enemies, such as predator insects and parasitoids, to control pest populations. Additionally, the use of botanical pesticides derived from plant extracts can help to control pest populations without causing harm to the environment.
If chemical control is deemed necessary, it is important to carefully follow the instructions provided on the label of the insecticide and apply the product during the appropriate growth stage of the plant. It is also important to rotate the use of insecticides to prevent the development of resistance in the pest population.
