Origin and Common Names
Eleusine tocussa, also known as Tococa Finger Grass, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is native to South America, where it is commonly found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. It is also cultivated in other parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the United States.
The plant is known by several common names, including Tococa grass, Finger grass, Tococa Elephant Grass, and Brazilian Finger Grass.
General Appearance
Eleusine tocussa is a tall and robust plant that can grow up to 3 feet high. It has a thick stem that is covered in long and narrow leaves. The leaves are green in color and have a prominent midrib. The plant also has a dense inflorescence, which is made up of numerous elongate spikelets.
The spikelets are arranged in finger-like clusters, hence its common name "Finger Grass". The flowers are tiny and arranged in pairs with one flower having a staminate or male part and the other being pistillate or female in nature.
Uses
Eleusine tocussa has several uses, including medicinal and agricultural applications. The plant contains essential oils that have antifungal and antibacterial properties. These properties make it ideal for treating fungal infections on the skin and other parts of the body.
The plant is also used as a forage crop for livestock, particularly cattle. Its high protein content and palatability make it an excellent supplement to their diet. Additionally, Tococa Finger Grass is used in soil conservation, particularly in areas prone to soil erosion.
Furthermore, Eleusine tocussa is important in the traditional medicine of The Guarani People of South America who use its leaves and flowers to treat oral disease, diabetes, inflammation, and parasitic infections.
Light Requirement
Eleusine tocussa, commonly known as African finger millet, grows best in full sun conditions. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is essential for the optimal growth of the plant. In low light conditions, the plant tends to grow slowly and may not produce ample yields.
Temperature Requirement
Eleusine tocussa is a warm-season grass and requires warm temperatures for growth. The plant grows best in temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can negatively affect the growth of the plant. In regions that experience frost or cold temperatures, it is advisable to grow Eleusine tocussa in greenhouses or indoors.
Soil Requirement
Eleusine tocussa prefers well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good moisture retention capabilities. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it is important to note that the plant does not grow well in waterlogged or compacted soils.
Cultivation Methods for Eleusine Tocussa
Eleusine Tocussa, commonly known as African finger millet, is a ta amaizing crop that originated from Ethiopia. The plant thrives well in sandy-loam soil with a pH range of 4.9 to 8.5. The ideal temperature range for its cultivation is between 25? to 32 ?.Planting is done at the onset of the rainy season. Since it is a self-pollinating plant, it can be cultivated in small areas. The plant can withstand drought, insect pests, and diseases.
Watering Needs
Eleusine Tocussa requires constant watering throughout the growth cycle. Inadequate water will affect the germination of the seedlings and enhance their mortality. After planting, ensure the moisture content in the soil is always high to boost the growth rate. During the vegetative stage, the plant requires optimum irrigation to prevent wilting. The flowering and mature stage requires little watering as excess moisture at this stage can lead to fungal attack, which can reduce the yield.
Fertilization
Eleusine Tocussa requires a balanced amount of nutrients to attain maximum yield. At planting, applying a basal fertilizer such as diammonium phosphate (DAP) will enhance the germination rate as well as deposition of roots. During the vegetative stage, applying nitrogenous fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate (AN) will enhance its growth. During the grain filling stage, adding potassium-based fertilizers such as muriate of potash (MOP) are ideal as they improve the quality of the grain.
Pruning
Eleusine Tocussa does not require pruning as it grows low to the ground and does not form branches. However, thinning of the seedlings is recommended to maintain their optimum density. It is also important to keep the field weed-free by hand weeding or using pre-emergent herbicides for effective weed management.
Propagation of Eleusine Tocussa
Eleusine tocussa is a perennial herb that belongs to the Poaceae family. Propagation of this plant can be done by either sexual or asexual means.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the most common means of propagation for Eleusine tocussa. The seed of this plant can be collected from mature plants during the fruiting season. The seeds should be air-dried and stored in a cool, dry place to maintain viability.
To propagate Eleusine tocussa using seeds, the soil should be loosened and firmed with a rake or hoe to create a flat, smooth surface. The seeds should then be sprinkled on top of the soil and lightly covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged by regular watering.
The seedlings will emerge after 7 to 10 days, and they should be thinned to provide ample space for growth. Fertilization of the soil during the growing season will help the seedlings grow into mature plants.
Propagation by Cuttings
Eleusine tocussa can also be propagated by cuttings. The stem of mature plants is cut into sections, and each section should be at least six inches long. These sections are then planted into moist soil and kept in a warm, humid environment until the roots form.
The cuttings should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, and the temperature should be maintained between 70-75°F. Once the roots have formed, the newly formed plants should be transplanted into individual pots with well-drained soil.
Propagation of Eleusine tocussa by cuttings is ideal for plants that have been severely damaged or have weak roots.
Propagation by Division
Another method of propagating Eleusine tocussa is by division. Mature plants can be dug up and divided into smaller sections, each with its own shoot and root system. These divisions can then be replanted in moist soil.
The newly divided plants should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, humid environment until the roots have formed. Once the roots have formed, the newly formed plants should be transplanted into individual pots with well-drained soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Eleusine Tocussa
Eleusine tocussa, commonly known as ditch millet, is a fast-growing annual plant that is commonly used as a fodder crop in Africa. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can negatively impact its growth and yield.
Common Diseases Affecting Eleusine Tocussa
Some of the common diseases that can affect Eleusine tocussa include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, blights, and premature leaf drop. It can be managed by planting resistant varieties, crop rotation, and fungicide application.
- Leaf rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow-orange pustules on the leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced yield. It can be managed by planting resistant varieties, crop rotation, and fungicide application.
- Downy mildew: This fungal disease can cause yellow or white patches on the leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis and yield. It can be managed by planting resistant varieties, proper irrigation, and fungicide application.
Common Pests Affecting Eleusine Tocussa
Some of the common pests that can affect Eleusine tocussa include:
- Cutworms: These pests can cut the plant stem at ground level, leading to plant death. They can be managed by using collars around the base of the plant, natural predators like birds, and insecticide application.
- Aphids: These pests can suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and reduced yield. They can be managed by using natural predators like ladybugs, insecticidal soap, and neem oil.
- Armyworms: These pests can cause defoliation and reduced yield. They can be managed by using natural predators like birds, insecticidal soap, and chemical insecticides.
Overall, disease and pest management for Eleusine tocussa requires a combination of preventive measures like planting resistant varieties, crop rotation, and proper irrigation, as well as using appropriate chemical and natural pest control methods when necessary. By implementing these strategies, farmers can reduce the risk of crop loss and ensure a healthy and productive harvest of Eleusine tocussa.
