Origin and Common Names
Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. subsp. indica, commonly known as Indian goosegrass or yard-grass, is a fast-growing annual grass native to Africa. It has spread throughout much of the world and is now considered a cosmopolitan weed.
Appearance
Indian goosegrass typically grows to a height of about 20-50 cm and has a shallow root system. It has long, flat leaves that are green in color and grow in a fan-like arrangement. The plant produces a dense inflorescence of spikelets that are greenish-white to purplish in color.
Uses
While Indian goosegrass is often considered a weed, it does have some useful properties. The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including dysentery, fever, and respiratory infections. It is also used as a fodder crop for livestock. Additionally, the plant can be used in erosion control and as a cover crop.
However, Indian goosegrass is also a major problem in agricultural and urban environments. It can outcompete other plants and reduce crop yields. The plant is difficult to control because it produces a vast amount of seeds and has a rapid growth rate.
In conclusion, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. subsp. indica, or Indian goosegrass, is a fast-growing annual grass native to Africa. It is commonly used in traditional medicine and as a fodder crop for livestock. However, it is also a major weed in agricultural and urban environments, where it can reduce crop yields and is difficult to control.
Light Requirements
Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. subsp. indica commonly called Goosegrass is known to thrive in full sunlight. Hence it grows in open areas, including fields, lawns, roadsides, and disturbed sites such as railways, docks, and gardens. Since it is adapted to survive in various soil conditions, it can grow in areas where other plants cannot tolerate high temperatures and drought conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Goosegrass survives in hot climates such as those typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. Its optimum temperature ranges from 15 to 35°C. When the temperature exceeds 35°C, the growth rate of the plant will reduce since it causes water stress. Therefore, it cannot survive in areas where the temperature exceeds 38°C.
Soil Requirements
Eleusine indica requires moist, fertile, and heavy clay loam soils to grow effectively. However, it is tolerant to different soil types and can grow in sandy loams and saline soils that are deficient in nutrients. It thrives well in soils that have a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5, but it can still grow well in soils that have pH ranges of 4.8 to 8.5. It is also known to tolerate waterlogged and acidic soil conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. subsp. indica is a warm-season perennial grass that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows best in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. The plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate some shade. Sow the seeds at a depth of about 0.5 cm in rows or broadcast them in the field. The recommended spacing is 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants.
Watering Needs
Eleusine indica requires moderate watering during the growing season. Water the plants enough to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid watering in the evening to discourage fungal diseases from developing. During the dry season, water the plants deeply once every 7-10 days.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to thrive. Apply a balanced fertilizer such as NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) at a rate of 2-3 kg per 100 m² of land. Repeat the application every three months. Top-dressing with organic matter such as compost or manure is another effective way of providing the plant with nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and vigor of Eleusine indica. Prune the plants regularly to remove damaged, diseased, or dead stems and leaves. Cut back the plant to about 10 cm above the ground to encourage new growth. Pruning also helps to control the height and spread of the plant. Remove any clippings and debris from around the plant to prevent fungal diseases and pest infestation.
Propagation of Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. subsp. indica
Eleusine indica can be propagated via both sexual and asexual methods. The following are the commonly used propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Eleusine indica. The seed rate required for sowing is 12-15 kg per hectare. Seeds should be sown 2 cm deep into well-prepared soil with good drainage. Germination can take anywhere from 10-15 days depending on environmental factors like light, temperature, and moisture. Seed propagation is best done in the rainy season.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is the process of growing new plants from vegetative parts of an existing plant. Eleusine indica can be propagated vegetatively from stolons or rhizomes. Stolons are horizontal stems that grow from the base of the plant and produce new roots and shoots. Rhizomes are underground stems that produce new roots and shoots. After harvest, these parts can be cut into small pieces and planted in newly prepared soil with good drainage. The cuttings should be planted in the early rainy season.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture propagation is the process of growing new plants from cells. This method involves taking plant tissue and placing it in a nutrient-rich solution in a sterile environment. Tissue culture propagation has the advantage of producing disease-free and genetically uniform plants. This method is commonly used in the production of high-value crops, but it may not be suited for Eleusine indica, given its low commercial value.
Propagation of Eleusine indica requires careful attention to environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and moisture. With proper care, propagation methods can help to propagate healthy, disease-free, and genetically uniform plants.
Disease and Pest Management of Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. subsp. indica
Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. subsp. indica, commonly known as goosegrass, is a weed that can cause a significant reduction in crop yield. As such, it is important to manage diseases and pests that may affect the plant to ensure optimal growth and production. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Eleusine indica and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that cause circular spots with a yellow center and a darker outer ring on the leaves. Leaf spot can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die off. To manage leaf spot, remove infected plant debris and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides can also be used to prevent and manage the disease.
2. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes rust-colored pustules on the leaves, stems, and sheaths of the plant. Rust can cause the plant to become stunted and eventually die off. To manage rust, remove infected plant debris and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides can also be used to prevent and manage the disease.
Common Pests
1. Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are herbivorous pests that can cause significant damage to Eleusine indica plants by consuming the leaves and stems. To manage grasshoppers, use biological control methods, such as introducing natural predators like birds and insects. Insecticides can also be used to control grasshopper populations.
2. Cutworms: Cutworms are nocturnal caterpillars that can damage the plant by cutting through the stems at the soil line. To manage cutworms, remove plant debris and use biological control methods such as introducing natural predators like birds and insects. Insecticides can also be used to control cutworm populations.
Overall, it is important to regularly monitor Eleusine indica for signs of disease and pest damage. Early detection and management can prevent significant damage to the plant and ensure optimal growth and production.
