Eleusine Coracana (l.) Gaertn.

Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.

Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. is a cereal grass that is commonly known as finger millet, African millet, or ragi. It is believed to have originated in East Africa and is now widely cultivated in India, Nepal, Uganda, and other African countries.

Appearance

The plant is an annual grass that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has slender stems and roots. Its leaves are long and narrow with a dark green color. The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle that can vary in color from green to reddish-brown.

The seeds of Eleusine coracana are small and round with a pale yellow or grayish color. They are considered a staple food in many parts of Africa and India.

Uses

Finger millet is a nutritious food source that is rich in carbohydrates, protein, minerals, and vitamins. It is also gluten-free and has a low glycemic index, making it an ideal food for individuals with celiac disease or diabetes.

The plant is used in traditional medicine for its various health benefits, including improving digestion, reducing cholesterol levels, and increasing lactation in mothers. Finger millet is also used to make alcoholic beverages, such as beer and spirits, in some parts of Africa and India.

Additionally, Eleusine coracana is used as animal feed because of its high nutritional value.

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Light Requirements

Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. requires full sunlight for its growth. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and maximum productivity.

Temperature Requirements

The ideal temperature range for the growth of Eleusine coracana is between 27 to 35°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as high as 38 - 40°C but growth may be reduced. Temperatures below 20°C can limit germination and seedling growth.

Soil Requirements

Eleusine coracana prefers loose, well-drained soils with a pH range between 5.0 to 8.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, from sandy loam to heavy clay soil, but it performs best in fertile sandy loam soils. The soil should be free of weeds and other competing plants to ensure optimal growth.

Cultivation Methods

Eleusine coracana, commonly known as finger millet, grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-drained soils with pH ranging from 6-8. The best way to cultivate finger millet is by direct seeding, with seeds sown at a depth of about 2-3 cm. The ideal time to seed finger millet is at the onset of the rainy season.

Watering Needs

Finger millet requires regular watering, especially during the first few weeks after planting. The plant should get around 25-30 cm of water throughout the growing season. Be careful not to overwater the plant as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot. Additionally, avoid watering the plant from above to prevent damaging the plant's delicate leaves.

Fertilization

Finger millet responds well to fertilization. Prior to planting, apply a balanced fertilizer such as 14:14:14 at a rate of 180-200 kg/ha. Once the plant reaches the three-leaf stage, side-dress the crop with nitrogenous fertilizers such as urea or ammonium sulfate. The amount of fertilizer applied should not exceed 30-40 kg/ha in each application.

Pruning

Finger millet is a relatively low-maintenance plant and requires minimal pruning. However, it is essential to remove any weeds that compete with the plant for nutrients and water. Additionally, cutting the plants slightly above the ground after the grains have fully matured can promote a second growth, leading to higher yields.

Propagation of Eleusine coracana

Eleusine coracana, commonly known as finger millet, is mainly propagated in two ways. These include:

Seed Propagation

The most common method of propagation of Eleusine coracana is through seed planting. Seeds are sown directly into the field or nursery beds, and the seedlings are later transplanted to the main field.

Seeds are collected from mature plants and dried. Before planting, the seeds are treated with fungicide to prevent damping-off disease. The seeds are then sown at a depth of approximately 2-3 cm and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within 5-7 days.

Seed propagation is appropriate for large-scale farming of Eleusine coracana.

Vegetative Propagation

Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Eleusine coracana. This method involves the use of plant cuttings from mature plants.

The cuttings are taken from healthy stem segments, ensuring that each cutting is about 20 cm long and includes leaves and nodes. To increase the success rate of the cuttings, it is advisable to dip the basal end into a rooting hormone solution before planting.

The cuttings are then planted in the field at a depth of approximately 5-7 cm. They are watered regularly and kept moist until root formation occurs, usually within 2-3 weeks.

Vegetative propagation is suitable for small-scale farming of Eleusine coracana.

Disease Management for Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.

Some of the common diseases that affect Eleusine coracana include:

• Blast - a fungal disease that causes oval or elliptical spots on leaves, culms, and panicles. The spots turn grayish-white to buff in color with a dark border as they mature. Blast can be controlled by crop rotation, avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization, and use of resistant cultivars.
• Leaf spot - caused by bipolaris oryzae. Symptoms include small brown or black spots on the leaves, which can coalesce and form large lesions. Infected plants should be removed, and crop rotation can be used to manage the disease.
• Kernel smut - caused by the fungus Tolyposporium ehrenbergii. The disease can affect the entire head of the plant, and the infected grain turns black and chalky. Infected plants should be removed, crop rotation should be used, and seed treatment with a recommended fungicide will help manage the disease.

Pest Management for Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.

Some of the common pests that affect Eleusine coracana include:

• Rats and mice - can cause significant damage to crops by feeding on the plants and their grain. Effective control methods include using traps, limiting access points, and using rodenticides.
• Stem borers - the larvae of different species of moths feed on the stem of the plant, causing wilting and stunting of growth. Biological control methods such as the use of parasitoids and predators can be effective. Cultural methods such as early planting and crop rotation can also be used.
• Armyworms - a common pest that feeds on the foliage of the plant, causing skeletonized leaves and defoliation. Chemical control is recommended using the recommended insecticides.

In conclusion, effective disease and pest management practices for Eleusine coracana involve a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods to reduce the impact of these factors on the crop.