Plant Description:
Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. subsp. africana (Kenn.-O'Byrne) S.M.Phillips, commonly known as African goosegrass, is a weed in the Poaceae family. It has an annual lifecycle and can reach a height of up to 90 cm. The leaves are linear and have a rough texture. The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle, which bears many small spikelets.
Origin:
African goosegrass is believed to have originated in Africa, and it has spread to many other parts of the world. It is now found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Common names:
African goosegrass is also known by many other common names. In some regions, it is referred to as jungle rice, yard-grass, goosegrass, or wiregrass.
Uses:
Although African goosegrass can be grown as a forage crop, it is considered a weed in many areas. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, including fever and diarrhea. In some cultures, it is believed to have a cooling effect on the body and is used as a food seasoning.
General Appearance:
African goosegrass has a very distinctive appearance. Its long, narrow leaves give it a rough texture, while its small spikelets are easily visible on the spike-like panicle. The plant's stem is usually green and light-colored, and it grows very quickly, often overtaking nearby plants.
Light Requirements
Eleusine indica subsp. africana prefers full or partial sun exposure to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but growth and development may be hindered if there is not enough sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Eleusine indica subsp. africana is a warm-season grass that grows well in hot and humid conditions. It requires a minimum temperature of 20°C to germinate and grow. The optimal temperature range for its growth and development is between 25-35°C. Temperatures below 20°C hinder growth and can even lead to death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Eleusine indica subsp. africana can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soils that are fertile and rich in organic matter. It can tolerate acidic soils, but it grows best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. It can also tolerate moderate drought conditions but requires regular watering during prolonged dry periods to prevent wilting and maintain growth.
Cultivation Methods
Eleusine Indica subsp. africana can be grown in full sun to partial shade, and it prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. The plant is generally propagated by seed, and it can be sown directly into the soil or started in pots.
Watering Needs
Eleusine indica subsp. africana prefers regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. In areas with high rainfall, supplementing with occasional watering may be necessary during drought periods.
Fertilization
Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to the soil before planting can help improve soil fertility and nutrient availability. Supplemental fertilization may also be necessary, especially in poor soils or during periods of rapid growth.
Pruning
Eleusine indica subsp. africana requires very little pruning. However, trimming back overgrown or damaged foliage can help promote new growth and improve the overall appearance of the plant. It is best to prune during the active growing season and avoid cutting back more than one-third of the plant at any one time.
Propagation of Eleusine Indica Subsp. Africana
Eleusine indica subsp. africana is propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.Seed propagation: Seeds from mature plants are collected during the dry season when the seed heads are dry and brown. The seeds are then dried and stored until the next planting season. The seeds are then planted in well-prepared soils at the beginning of the rainy season. Germination is expected within a week, and seedlings are thinned out when they attain a height of about 2 inches.
Vegetative propagation: This is primarily achieved through stolon and rhizome cuttings. Cuttings are made from mature stolons and rhizomes, which are then planted in prepared soil, usually in a nursery. In about two weeks, the cuttings would have produced roots and leaves, and they can be transplanted into the field.
Tissue culture: This propagation method involves growing plants from small tissue samples in vitro. This method is common for species that are difficult to propagate through traditional methods. The tissue culture technique for Eleusine indica subsp. africana has been developed, and it offers an alternative method for the rapid propagation of the plant in large quantities. However, this technique requires specialized training and equipment.
Regardless of the propagation method used, the newly planted Eleusine indica subsp. africana should be watered consistently and protected from pests and diseases during the early stages of growth.Disease Management
Like any other plant, Eleusine indica subsp. africana is also prone to various diseases. Some of the common diseases that can affect this plant are:
- Leaf Spot
- Rusts
- Powdery Mildew
- Anthracnose
The following are some of the effective ways to manage these diseases:
- Practicing crop rotation to prevent the recurrence of the disease
- Controlling the environment by increasing air circulation and lowering humidity
- Removing the infected parts of the plants and avoiding over-crowding
- Applying fungicides to control the spread of the disease
Pest Management
The following are some of the common pests that can affect Eleusine indica subsp. africana:
- Aphids
- Cutworms
- Spider mites
- Whiteflies
To manage these pests, the following methods can be used:
- Applying insecticides to control the infestation
- Using natural predators to control the pest population
- Cleaning the field and removing the leftovers to avoid attracting pests
- Applying crop rotation and inter-planting with pest-resistant crops
It is important to be careful while using pesticides. Always follow the instructions mentioned on the product label and wear safety equipment while applying them. Also, ensure that the active ingredient used in the pesticide is effective against the pest in question.
