Origin and Common Names
Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips, commonly known as the African finger millet, is a species of annual grass in the family Poaceae. It is native to Africa, specifically Ethiopia and Sudan. It has various common names in different African countries, such as ‘dagusa’ or ‘keda’ in Ethiopia, ‘kakamega’ in Kenya, and ‘musenya’ in Uganda.
Uses
The African finger millet is a highly valued cereal crop in East Africa. Its grains are gluten-free, high in protein, and rich in essential amino acids. It is a staple food in many African homes, where it is used to prepare porridge, bread, cakes, and beer. The plant also has medicinal benefits; it is believed to improve digestion, relieve constipation, and boost immunity. Recently, it has gained attention for its potential to combat malnutrition, especially in children, due to its high nutritional content.
General Appearance
The African finger millet plant has a dense, tuft-like appearance, with stems that grow up to 60 cm in height. It has long, narrow leaves that can grow up to 30 cm in length. The plant produces small, round seeds that are about 2 mm in diameter, typically in shades of brown, yellow, or white. The seeds are enclosed in small spikelets that grow in clusters, creating a dense, compact inflorescence. The plant flowers from June to August and can be harvested between September and October.
Light Requirements
Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips, commonly known as weedy fingergrass, is a warm-season grass that requires plenty of direct sunlight to grow properly. This plant needs full sun to partial shade, receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day for better growth. Too much shade can cause the plant to grow thin and leggy and the blades will be slow to sprout.
Temperature Requirements
The weedy fingergrass plant prefers hot and humid temperatures for optimal growth, particularly during the spring and summer seasons. It can survive in a temperature range of 18 to 30°C, but below this range, the plant's growth becomes sluggish. While eleusine semisterilis can withstand some drought stress and cold temperatures, too much can impede its growth rate, and the plant may become weak & vulnerable to disease.
Soil Requirements
The weedy fingergrass prefers well-drained soils, but it is not picky since it can tolerate all soil types, including heavy clay, poor, or sandy soils. The ideal soil pH for the growth of eleusine semisterilis should range from 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should also be fertile, with good moisture retention and drainage, and with a moderate level of organic matter. This grass is drought-tolerant, but regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist and help keep the plant healthy.
Cultivation Methods
Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant, making it relatively easy to cultivate. The best time to sow the seeds is during spring, summer or autumn in well-drained soil. The seeds should be scattered on top of the soil, then lightly covered with soil. The plant prefers a sunny location but can tolerate partial shade. It is important to regularly weed the area around the plant to prevent competing plants from stealing its nutrients and water.
Watering Needs
Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips requires moderate watering during the growing season, which is usually from late spring to early autumn. The plant prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate short periods of waterlogging. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce the amount of moisture lost to evaporation.
Fertilization
Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips does not require a lot of fertilization. However, the plant can benefit from light application of a balanced fertilizer, which can be done during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied sparingly, as too much can lead to over-fertilization and damage the plant.
Pruning
Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips does not require pruning, as it is a compact plant that typically grows to a height of only a few inches. However, trimming back any dead, damaged or diseased leaves can help to promote new growth and improve the overall appearance of the plant.
Propagation of Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips
Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips is a resilient plant that can grow in both dry and wet soil. The plant is commonly propagated through seeds or vegetative means.Propagation through Seeds: The most common method of propagating Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips is through seed propagation. The seeds are usually collected from mature plants after the flowering phase when the seeds are ripe and mature. The seeds are cleaned and stored in a dry and cool place. Before sowing, the seeds are treated with a fungicide solution to eliminate any possible pathogens.
Propagating through Vegetative Means: Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips can also be propagated through vegetative means, specifically through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings are taken from mature and healthy plants, and the cutting's base is dipped in a rooting hormone solution to improve its chances of rooting. The cuttings are planted in well-drained soil and kept in a warm environment that is adequately watered to maintain high humidity levels.
Caring for the Propagated Plants: Newly propagated Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips should be watered regularly to ensure that the soil remains moist to facilitate root growth. The plants should be transferred to a larger pot or bed once they have outgrown their initial container. The plants should be exposed to sunlight once they are well-established in their new environment.
To ensure a high success rate when propagating Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips, it is essential to maintain a sterile environment, use clean propagation tools, and follow appropriate propagation techniques.
Disease Management
Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips is susceptible to various fungal diseases such as leaf spot, rust, and smut. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to use resistant varieties. Crop rotation with non-host plants can also reduce disease incidence. Avoid overwatering and reduce leaf wetness by watering in the early morning or late afternoon. Remove infected plant debris from the field and destroy them to prevent further spread. Apply appropriate fungicides before the onset of the disease or as soon as the symptoms are observed to prevent damage.
Pest Management
Eleusine semisterilis S.M.Phillips can be affected by insect pests such as cutworms, armyworms, and grasshoppers. Preventive measures such as field sanitation, cultivation, and crop rotation can reduce their incidence. Install pheromone traps to monitor and control cutworms and armyworms. Application of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) pesticide and neem-based products can reduce the damage caused by these pests. Placing tarps under the plants during the night can also reduce cutworm damage. Using physical barriers such as nets or fences can effectively control grasshoppers. Chemical insecticides can also be used as a last resort, but it is important to consider their impact on the environment and non-target organisms.
