Overview
Eleusine pilosa Gilli, commonly known as hairy finger grass, is an annual or perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. The plant is native to sub-Saharan Africa, but it has widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Description
The plant grows up to 80 cm in height and has erect, hairless stems. The leaves are hairless or sparsely hairy and can grow up to 30 cm in length and 8 mm in width. The inflorescence is a spike-like raceme with 3-13 spikes that are appressed to the main axis. The spikelets are awned, with a long bent awn that is twisted at the base.
Common Names
Common names for Eleusine pilosa Gilli vary depending on location and include hairy finger grass, kading-kadingan, tinggly-grass, crab grass, and crowfoot grass.
Uses
Eleusine pilosa Gilli has several medicinal uses. The leaves and roots of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as coughs, malaria, and fever. The plant also possesses antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, Eleusine pilosa Gilli is used as a forage for livestock and can be used to make brooms and baskets.
Light requirements
Eleusine pilosa requires full sun exposure to thrive. Inadequate sunlight results in stunted growth and reduced quality of the plant. The plant should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature for Eleusine pilosa's growth is between 20°C-35°C. The plant thrives in warm temperatures but can tolerate extreme temperatures, such as those found in arid and semi-arid regions. The plant cannot withstand frost or freezing temperatures, and exposure to such weather conditions can damage or kill it.
Soil requirements
Eleusine pilosa can grow in different soil types, but it prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range between 6.0-7.0 for optimal growth. The soil should also have adequate moisture content, but it should not be waterlogged. The plant can tolerate drought and harsh weather conditions, making it adaptable to various soil and climate types.
Cultivation of Eleusine pilosa Gilli
Eleusine pilosa Gilli, commonly known as goosegrass, is a hardy weed that can grow in various conditions. However, if you plan to cultivate it, then it needs to be grown in fertile, well-drained soil.
The soil should be prepared by digging up to a depth of at least 6 inches and adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility. The pH level of the soil should range between 5.0 and 7.0.
Watering needs
Goosegrass requires moderate watering, and the amount may vary depending on the climate and the growth stage. In hot, dry climates, it may need more frequent watering, but in humid conditions, the frequency can be reduced.
Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering may lead to root rot, affecting the health and productivity of the plant.
Fertilization
Eleusine pilosa Gilli is not very demanding when it comes to fertilization. However, occasional feeding can help boost its growth and productivity.
Apply a balanced fertilizer once every two months during the growing season. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer can promote rapid growth, but too much nitrogen can lead to weak stems and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary when it comes to Eleusine pilosa Gilli. However, you can remove dead or damaged leaves and stems to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
Make sure you use clean and sterilized pruning tools to avoid spreading diseases from one plant to another.
Propagation of Eleusine pilosa Gilli
Eleusine pilosa Gilli, commonly known as hairy finger grass or scratchgrass, is a weed that belongs to the Poaceae family. The plant has a high potential for spread and can survive in diverse environmental conditions, making it difficult to control.
Propagation methods
The plant has both sexual and asexual propagation methods. The most common propagation methods include:
1. Seeds propagation
Seeds are the primary mode of reproduction for hairy finger grass. The plant produces an abundant amount of seeds that spread rapidly. The seeds can remain dormant in the soil for extended periods until favorable environmental conditions arise. Once in favorable conditions, the seeds germinate and establish their new growth.
2. Vegetative propagation
The plant can also propagate through vegetative means, such as fragmentation and tillering. Fragmentation occurs when the plant's stem breaks, and each broken piece forms a new individual plant. Tillering, on the other hand, is the formation of new shoots from the base of the stem or rhizomes.
Eleusine pilosa Gilli and its propagation methods present a challenge for effective control measures. The plant's rapid spread through vegetative and seed reproduction require an integrated approach to manage the weed effectively.
Disease and Pest Management for Eleusine pilosa Gilli
Eleusine pilosa Gilli, commonly known as goosegrass, is a type of weed that is found in many parts of the world. It is a tough and invasive plant that can quickly take over lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. To manage the growth and spread of this plant, it is essential to understand the types of diseases and pests that can affect it and the proper ways to control them.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Eleusine pilosa Gilli is powdery mildew. This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The best way to manage powdery mildew is to remove the infected plant parts and reduce the humidity around the plant. A fungicide spray may also be used to control this disease.
Another disease that can affect Eleusine pilosa Gilli is leaf spot. This fungal disease causes circular spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to the death of the plant. The best way to manage leaf spot is to remove the infected leaves and avoid watering the plant from above. A fungicide spray may also be used to control this disease.
Common Pests
Eleusine pilosa Gilli is also susceptible to pest infestations, which can impact the growth and health of the plant. One common pest that affects this plant is the root-knot nematode. This tiny worm feeds on the plant's roots, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage this pest, it is important to rotate crops and use resistant varieties of Eleusine pilosa Gilli.
Another pest that can affect Eleusine pilosa Gilli is the hairy caterpillar. This insect feeds on the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause significant damage. The best way to manage this pest is to handpick them from the plant or use an insecticide spray.
Overall Management
Prevention is always better than cure, and it is essential to maintain proper cultural practices to prevent disease and pest infestations in Eleusine pilosa Gilli. These practices can include proper irrigation, fertilization, and weed management. Additionally, regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of disease or pests is critical to early detection and management.
Finally, it is important to follow proper application and safety instructions when using fungicides or insecticides to manage disease and pest infestations in Eleusine pilosa Gilli. This will help to ensure the health of the plant and minimize any potential negative impacts on the environment.
