Overview of Paspalum scrobiculatum L. var. bispicatum Hack.
Paspalum scrobiculatum L. var. bispicatum Hack. is a type of perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is also commonly known as Kodo Millet, Ricegrass, and Honeygrass. This plant originates from tropical regions such as India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, where it has been cultivated for many years.
Appearance of Paspalum scrobiculatum L. var. bispicatum Hack.
Paspalum scrobiculatum L. var. bispicatum Hack. has a distinctive appearance. It has a tall stem that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The stem is slender and can be either green or purple in color. The leaves are long, narrow, and grow alternately along the stem. They are light green in color and have a slight sheen. The flower heads are compact and resemble spikes.
Uses of Paspalum scrobiculatum L. var. bispicatum Hack.
Paspalum scrobiculatum L. var. bispicatum Hack. has many uses, primarily in agriculture and food production. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can grow in harsh environments, making it a valuable crop in areas where water is scarce. It is also an excellent source of nutrition and is used as a food ingredient in various cuisines. In addition, some people use the plant for traditional medicine purposes to treat various ailments such as diabetes and asthma.
Light Requirements
Paspalum scrobiculatum L. var. bispicatum Hack. requires partial to full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It thrives well in areas with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight exposure for extended periods can damage the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow well in a range of temperatures between 25 to 35-degree Celsius. However, it cannot withstand extreme temperatures, which can hinder its growth and cause damages. The minimum temperature required for growth is around 12 to 15 degree Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained fertile soil with a pH range between 5.5-7.5. The soil should have good water-retaining abilities, as underwatering or overwatering can cause problems to the plant growth. Proper drainage is the key to ensuring the plant's healthy growth, as stagnant water can lead to root rot issues. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the application of fertilizers periodically can improve the plant's growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
The Paspalum scrobiculatum L. var. bispicatum Hack., commonly known as Kodo millet, prefers warm and humid climates. It can be grown in a wide range of soils, from sandy loams to heavy black soils, but it thrives well in well-drained sandy loam soils. Clear the field of any weeds before planting. Kodo millet seeds are small and usually sown with a seed drill or broadcasted manually and then covered lightly. The crop requires good soil moisture during germination and early growth, so irrigation must be applied immediately after sowing. It is also advisable to mulch the field to conserve soil moisture.
Watering Needs
Kodo millet does not tolerate waterlogging or drought stress. Therefore, it is essential to ensure adequate soil moisture throughout the growing season. Watering should be done based on the moisture level of the soil, ensuring that the crop receives sufficient water to avoid drought stress but not so much that it causes waterlogging.
Fertilization
Kodo millet requires moderate to high fertility. Apply farmyard manure or compost at a rate of 6 to 8 tons per hectare before planting. Additionally, apply 60 kg of nitrogen, 30 kg of phosphorus, and 30 kg of potassium per hectare. Apply a balance fertilizer, like NPK 20:20:20, after four weeks to ensure high crop productivity.
Pruning
Kodo millet does not require pruning as it is a tall plant and does not branch out to form many stems. However, to prevent lodging, removing the top 10-15 cm of the plant at the flowering stage is recommended.
Propagation of Paspalum scrobiculatum L. var. bispicatum Hack.
Paspalum scrobiculatum L. var. bispicatum Hack., commonly known as Kodo millet, is usually propagated through seeds. The plant can be grown any time of the year, but the best time for sowing seeds is from March to April, or in the monsoon season. Kodo millet prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
Seed Propagation
Kodo millet seeds are sown directly in the field. Prepare the land by plowing and harrowing it well, and then make furrows 2-3 cm deep and sow the seeds. Cover the seeds lightly with soil. Water the field immediately and then at regular intervals until the seedlings emerge. After the seedlings are about 20-25 days old, thin them to maintain a distance of 15-20 cm between the plants. The seedlings should be protected from pests and diseases that can cause significant damage.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is not commonly used for Kodo millet, but it is possible to propagate the plant through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and taken from mature plants. Make sure that the cuttings are not diseased or damaged. Prepare a well-draining mix of compost and soil and then plant the cuttings. Provide enough moisture and protect the cuttings from direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within 2-4 weeks and can be transplanted to the field.
Disease Management
Paspalum scrobiculatum L. var. bispicatum Hack. is susceptible to various diseases, which can affect the plant's growth and quality.
Leaf Spot: This is a common disease that affects the leaves of the plant, leading to the formation of small, circular, brown spots. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove infected leaves and debris from the plant's surroundings, practice crop rotation, and apply an appropriate fungicide.
Brown Patch Disease: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the plant's leaf blades and stems, causing them to turn brown and die. To manage this disease, it is essential to avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and apply a fungicide.
Smut: This is a fungal disease that affects the floral parts of the plant, leading to the formation of black, powdery spores. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
Paspalum scrobiculatum L. var. bispicatum Hack. is also susceptible to various pests, which can cause significant damage to the plant if left unchecked.
Mole Crickets: These insects burrow through the soil, damaging the plant's roots and causing the plant to wilt. To manage these pests, it is essential to apply an appropriate insecticide and practice regular monitoring of the plant.
Cutworms: These pests cause significant damage to the plant's stem by cutting it at the soil level and feeding on the plant's foliage. To manage these pests, it is essential to remove weeds from the plant's surroundings, apply an appropriate insecticide, and use physical barriers around the plant's stem.
Caterpillars: These pests feed on the plant's foliage, leading to the formation of holes and defoliation. To manage these pests, it is essential to apply an appropriate insecticide and practice regular monitoring of the plant.
It is also essential to maintain proper plant hygiene, such as cleaning pruning tools and removing dead plant material, to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
