Overview
Eleusine glaucophylla, commonly known as bluegrass, is a plant species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is an annual grass that is native to Africa, but can be also found in other parts of the world, including Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America.
Description
The plant typically grows to a height of 10-60 cm, and has a single stem that arises from a fibrous root system. The leaves of Eleusine glaucophylla are narrow, flat, and bluish-green in color. The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle, which can be up to 8 cm long, and contains numerous florets that produce small, edible seeds.
Common Names
Eleusine glaucophylla is commonly known as bluegrass, white goosefoot grass, smooth finger grass, and African finger millet.
Uses
The seeds of Eleusine glaucophylla are an important source of food in many regions of Africa, where they are used to make flour, porridge, and fermented drinks. The plant is also used for medicinal purposes, including treating fever, diarrhea, and asthma. In addition, Eleusine glaucophylla is sometimes used as a forage plant for livestock, and can be cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Light Requirements
Eleusine glaucophylla is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to grow properly. It thrives well in areas that provide between 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight daily. Therefore, it is recommended that this plant be grown outdoors or in a greenhouse setting with appropriate light exposure.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions and needs warm temperatures to grow. It does not tolerate frost or cold temperatures, and it is recommended that temperatures remain above 20°C (68°F) throughout the growth period. A warm, humid environment is ideal for maximizing plant growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Eleusine glaucophylla prefers well-draining soils that are moderately fertile. The soil pH levels should also be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, sandy, or loamy soil. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil to enhance its fertility and water retention capacity.
Cultivation of Eleusine glaucophylla
Eleusine glaucophylla needs a warm climate to grow, and it thrives best in sandy or sandy-loamy soil with a pH of 5.5 to 8.0. The plant can tolerate drought and can be grown in areas receiving approximately 500 to 1500 mm of rainfall per year.
Watering Needs
When cultivating Eleusine glaucophylla, it is essential to keep the soil moist but not water-clogged. During hot weather, the plant may require watering every other day, but during the cooler months, watering two to three times a week is sufficient.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to ensure high-quality yield when cultivating Eleusine glaucophylla. The plant requires significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium for optimum growth. The recommended amount of NPK fertilizer to apply varies depending on the soil's fertility, but generally, 100-150 kg N/ha, 25-50 kg P/ha, and 50-75 kg K/ha are sufficient.
Pruning
To ensure that Eleusine glaucophylla remains healthy, you need to prune it regularly. This is done by removing dead or diseased leaves and branches. Pruning also helps to shape the plant and ensure proper airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. You can prune the plant every three to four months, or when necessary.
Propagation of Eleusine glaucophylla
Eleusine glaucophylla (Courbon) Munro ex Benth., also known as slender finger grass, is a perennial grass native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is commonly used as a forage crop and a soil stabilizer in erosion-prone areas.
Seeds
Propagation of Eleusine glaucophylla can be done using seeds, which can be harvested from mature plants when they are dry. The seeds can be planted directly into the ground or sown in containers and then transplanted later. Before planting, the seeds need to be cleaned and treated with fungicide to prevent fungal infection. They also require moist soil, warm temperatures, and plenty of sunlight to germinate. Depending on the climate, the seeds may germinate within a few days to a few weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Another method of propagating Eleusine glaucophylla is through vegetative propagation. This can be done using stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and planted vertically in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and in partial shade until roots and new growth appear.
Division involves dividing the plant into smaller segments and replanting them. This is typically done in the spring or early summer, when the plant is starting to grow actively. The plant should be carefully dug up and then divided using a sharp knife or garden spade. Each segment should have several stems and roots. They can then be replanted in well-prepared soil and watered immediately.
Disease Management
Eleusine glaucophylla is susceptible to several diseases that can impact both its yield and quality. One of the most common diseases is leaf spot, caused by the fungus Bipolaris eleusines. This disease causes the leaves to develop small, oval-shaped lesions that can merge to form larger patches. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to plant resistant varieties, avoid overhead irrigation, and remove infected plant material from the field and destroy it.
Another disease that affects Eleusine glaucophylla is smut, caused by the fungus Ustilago cynodontis. This disease can lead to stunted plant growth and lower yields. To control smut, it is recommended to practice crop rotation, plant resistant varieties, and avoid introducing contaminated soil into fields.
Pest Management
Eleusine glaucophylla can also be susceptible to pests that can decrease yield and quality. One common pest is the stem borer, which feeds on the stems and can cause significant plant damage. To control stem borers, it is recommended to remove and destroy infested plants, practice crop rotation, and use insecticides if necessary.
The armyworm can also be a significant pest for Eleusine glaucophylla, especially during the early growth stages. Armyworms feed on the leaves, causing significant damage to the plant. To control armyworms, it is recommended to monitor plants regularly for signs of infestation, use pheromone traps to monitor adult populations, and use insecticides if necessary.
