Overview
Eleusine tocussa Fresen., also known as "corn speedwell" or "Tococa finger grass," belongs to the Poaceae family and is an annual or biennial plant. It is native to Ethiopia and Eritrea, but has also been introduced to other countries like India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Australia.
Appearance
The plant has a slender and erect stem that grows up to 60 cm tall, with a branched and diffuse base. Its leaves are linear-lanceolate, up to 15 cm long and 6 mm wide, with a rough upper surface and a smooth lower surface. The inflorescence is a cylindrical spike up to 30 cm long, with six to twelve spreading branches that are each around 2 cm long, with one to six spikelets.
Uses
In Ethiopia, the plant is used as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach ache, diarrhea, and as a purgative. It is also commonly used in the local cuisine, where the leaves and stem tips are used as a vegetable, or the seeds are ground into flour to make bread. In other countries, the plant is used as a forage for livestock and is considered a weed in many agricultural areas.
Light Requirements
Eleusine tocussa Fresen. is a sun-loving plant and requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. Insufficient sunlight exposure can lead to weak and leggy plants that are susceptible to diseases and pests.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Eleusine tocussa Fresen. growth is between 20°C to 35°C. This plant cannot tolerate frost and prefers warm and sunny weather. The plant can, however, withstand high temperatures and drought, making it an ideal choice for hot and dry regions.
Soil Requirements
Eleusine tocussa Fresen. thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter. The soil pH should be around neutral, between 6.5 and 7.5. This plant also prefers sandy or loamy soil with good drainage and water retention capabilities. It is important to note that Eleusine tocussa Fresen. cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soil, as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Eleusine tocussa Fresen. is best grown in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, and in a spot that receives full sunlight.
Consider starting the seeds indoors in the early spring, and transplanting them after the last frost. Space them 6-12 inches apart, and cover with approximately ¼ inch of soil.
Eleusine tocussa Fresen. can also be grown from cuttings. Once the cuttings have been planted in the soil, regularly water them to keep the soil moist until they have become established.
Watering needs
Eleusine tocussa Fresen. requires adequate moisture to grow healthy, so make sure that the plants are watered sufficiently. In general, water the plants once a week or more if the soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to oversaturate the soil; water should not pool on top of the soil.
Fertilization
Eleusine tocussa Fresen. can benefit from a balanced fertilizer application during the growing season. To promote healthy growth, apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, every four to six weeks.
It's crucial not to overfertilize as this can burn the plant's roots, leading to stunted growth or even the death of the plant. Follow the fertilizer's package instructions precisely, and always water the plant thoroughly after applying fertilizer.
Pruning
Eleusine tocussa Fresen. does not require much pruning. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems or leaves as soon as possible to maintain the plant's health. It's also essential to remove any weeds that grow around the plant, as they can compete for nutrients and moisture.
When the plant starts to produce seed heads, you can trim them back to promote bushier growth. However, if you wish to collect seeds, allow the plant to bloom fully, and let the seed heads mature and dry before harvesting.
Propagation of Eleusine Tocussa Fresen.
Eleusine tocussa Fresen., commonly known as African finger millet, is a cereal grass species that is largely used in Africa for its nutritious grain. The plant can be propagated by two main methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method of propagating Eleusine tocussa Fresen. The seeds are usually planted in the field at the onset of the rainy season. The seeds are planted in shallow furrows about 2 cm deep and 15 cm apart. Planting depth and distance may vary according to the climate and soil conditions of the area. The soil must be kept moist throughout the germination period, which takes about 1-2 weeks. The plants start to develop vigorously after the third week of germination. They can be transplanted to their permanent location or thinned out seven weeks after germination.
Vegetative Propagation
Eleusine tocussa Fresen. can also be propagated by vegetative means, particularly stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the actively growing plants. Roots develop rapidly from stem cuttings, and new shoots usually appear within a few weeks after planting. The stem cuttings should be about 10 cm in length and can be planted in small pots containing a suitable soil mix. Rooting hormone can be used to speed up the process of root development. After rooting, the plants can be transplanted in the field at the appropriate time.
Disease and Pest Management for Eleusine Tocussa Fresen
Eleusine tocussa Fresen., also known as African finger millet, is a cereal crop that can be affected by various pests and diseases. Effective management of these issues is crucial to ensure good yields and quality produce. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and management strategies.
Diseases
Blast Disease
Blast is a fungal disease that can attack various parts of the plant, such as leaves, stems, and spikes. The infected plant parts develop small grey to brown spots that may converge, leading to dieback and yield loss. To manage blast disease, it's crucial to employ cultural practices such as crop rotation, timely planting, and removal of infected plant debris. Fungicides can also be useful in controlling the disease.
Head Smut
Head smut is a fungal disease that mainly affects the spikelet of the Eleusine tocussa Fresen plant. The fungus replaces the grain with black powdery spores that can reduce yields. Management strategies for head smut include seed treatment and crop rotation. Destroying infected plants and debris can also help in controlling the disease.
Pests
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of Eleusine tocussa Fresen. They cause wilting, stunted growth, and can transmit viruses. Strategies for managing aphids include cultural controls such as weed removal, use of mulching, and intercropping with repellent crops. Insecticides can also work in controlling the pests.
Armyworms
Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on various crops, including Eleusine tocussa Fresen. The pests can cause significant damage to the plants if not controlled on time. Strategies for managing armyworms include handpicking, cultural controls like crop rotation and intercropping, and use of insecticides.
In conclusion, managing pests and diseases is crucial in ensuring the production of high-quality Eleusine tocussa Fresen. It's essential to use a combination of cultural, chemical, and biological control strategies to manage these issues effectively.
