Contents
Description
Setaria Italica, commonly known as Foxtail Millet, is an annual grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a cereal crop that is mainly grown in Asia and Africa, and it is cultivated for its seeds. The plant has a tall, upright stem that can grow up to 150 cm in height. Its leaves are long and narrow, measuring about 30 cm in length and 1 cm in width. The inflorescence of the plant is a dense, cylindrical spike that is 5-15 cm long and 1-2 cm thick. The spike is covered in bristles that give it a foxtail-like appearance, hence the name Foxtail Millet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Setaria |
Appearance
The stem of Setaria Italica is tall and upright, and it can grow up to 150 cm in height. Its leaves are long and narrow, measuring about 30 cm in length and 1 cm in width. The inflorescence of the plant is a dense, cylindrical spike that is 5-15 cm long and 1-2 cm thick. The spike is covered in bristles that give it a foxtail-like appearance, and the seeds are small and round.
Care Guide
Setaria Italica is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It requires moderate watering and regular fertilization to thrive. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Setaria Italica is hardy in USDA zones 5-10, and it can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C.
Water
Setaria Italica requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, or more often if the soil is dry. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Fertilizer should be applied once a month during the growing season.
Soil
Setaria Italica prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.5-7.5.
Sunlight
The plant grows best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
Setaria Italica is hardy in USDA zones 5-10, and it can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C.
Common Pests & Diseases
Setaria Italica is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common problems.
Pests
- Aphids
- Cutworms
- Armyworms
Diseases
- Leaf spot
- Root rot
- Downy mildew
Habitat
Setaria Italica is native to East Asia, but it is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including Africa and Europe. The plant grows best in warm, temperate climates with moderate rainfall. It is commonly grown as a cereal crop for food and fodder.
Question and Answer
Q: What is Setaria Italica used for?
A: Setaria Italica is mainly cultivated for its seeds, which are used as a cereal crop for food and fodder.
Q: Is Setaria Italica easy to grow?
A: Yes, Setaria Italica is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Setaria Italica?
A: Setaria Italica is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by aphids, cutworms, armyworms, leaf spot, root rot, and downy mildew.
Q: Where is Setaria Italica native to?
A: Setaria Italica is native to East Asia.
Related Plants
- Setaria Viridis
- Setaria Pumila
- Setaria Glauca
References
- Grassland Species Profile: Foxtail Millet. (n.d.). USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Retrieved June 28, 2021, from https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_seit.pdf
- Setaria Italica. (n.d.). AgroForestryTree Database. Retrieved June 28, 2021, from https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=388
- Baltensperger, D. D. (2002). Foxtail Millet: An Ancient Cereal Grain. Cereal Foods World, 47(6), 266–269. doi: 10.1094/cfw-47-6-0266
