TEOSINTE

It is commonly known as Makchari. It is a succulent fodder with average height of 6-10feet. The leaves are longer and broader. The plant has lateral branches which is too long. Female inflorescence which is also known as ‘ear’ possesses 5-12 kernels. It is native to Mexico and Central America. In India, Punjab is the major Teosinte growing state. It provides fodder mainly in the month of November and it remains green for longer time.

It is grown in variety of soils ranging from loam to sandy loam soil. It gives best result when grown in rich heavy soil. Avoid cultivation in light sandy soils as it affects the crop growth. For good growth it requires pH ranging from 5.8-7.0.

TL 1: It is developed in 1993. The plant of this variety is maize borer resistant. Leaves remain green till maturity. Seeds have hard covering and are slaty-brown in color.

Improved Teosinte: Developed by HAU, Haryana. Gives average yield of 14-18ton/acre.

Other state varieties:Other two varieties such as Sirsa improved and Rhuri are also developed.

For Teosinte plantation, it requires well prepared land. To bring soil to fine tilth, plough land once with harrow followed by two ploughing with planking. Plantation is done on prepared beds.
 

Time of sowing
Prepare nursery in the month of May-June and seeds are sown in the month of June-July. Avoid sowing in the month of august as it gives low yield.

Spacing
Depending upon plant growth habit, sow seed at the spacing of 30cm x 40cm and of convenient width. 

Method of sowing
Sowing can be done with help of Kera or Seed drill.
 

Seed rate
For good pollinated varieties use seed rate of 16kg/acre.

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

At the time of land preparation, apply Farm Yard Manure @8tonnes/acre. Apply fertilizer dose of Nitrogen @20kg/acre in form of Urea@44kg/acre respectively at the time of sowing. Also do broadcasting of Nitrogen@20kg/acre or Urea@44kg/acre respectively one month after sowing.

Application of Phosphorus and potassium is to be done only if soil test result shows its deficiency.

 

Depending upon climate and soil, the irrigation is mainly done at an interval of 8-10 days.

Do frequent weeding and hoeing for effective weed control.  If weed left uncontrolled then it will reduce the crop yield. For effective weed control spraying of Atrataf 50 WP (Atrazine) @400gm/acre in 200 ltr of water is done within 2-3 days after sowing. Mulching is also an effective way to reduce soil temperature along with weed control.

• Pest and their control:
  

Maize borer: Mainly it attacks in the early stages of crop growth.
 
Treatment: Spraying of Sevin 50 WP(carbaryl) @100-150gm/acre is given to treat Maize borer.

Harvesting is mainly done after 80-100 days of sowing. Harvesting is done when tassel appear on the crop. The fodder remains green for longer time and is full of nutrients at this stage. Sun dried crops are harvested.

After harvesting, thrashing is done. Thrashing is mainly done by beating the crop or running the tractor over the crop. Before storing white seeds are separated. After separation the fodder is stored in gunny bags or in closed area. The seed yield of Teosinte is around 5 quintals/acre.