Teosinte (Euchlaena Mexicana):

• It is annual non-leguminous crop found in tropical to temperate climatic condition.
• Since it resembles maize in its physical appearance, it is also called मकैचरी in Nepal.
• This grass is believed to be originated from Mexico.
• It is 2-3 m tall, have soft stem and are palatable to livestock.

Climate and Altitude:

• It grows well in tropical and sub-tropical climates.
• It grows best in warm temperatures, ranging from 20-30°C
• It requires moderate rainfall of 25-60 inch.

Soil:

• It prefers fertile, well-drained loamy soils with neutral pH 6.0-7.5
• It can grow in poorer soils, tolerate draught.

Land preparation:

• Land are ploughed deep to about 15-25 cm to loosen soil.
• 2-3 times ploughing with harrowing is done.
• If land has any weeds, they should be removed or controlled.

Seed rate:

• 35-40 kg/ha
• Line sowing: 20-25 kg/ha

Sowing Season:

• In rain-fed areas: Ashad
• In Irrigated areas: Chaitra-Baisakh

Method of sowing:

• Seeds are sown in line at spacing of 45-60 cm between plants and 75-90 between rows.
• Seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-4 cm.

Fertilizer Dose:

• NPK @ 120:60:40 kg/ha
• Half dose of nitrogen, full dose of phosphorus and potash are applied during field preparation.
• Remaining half dose of nitrogen are divided into 3 doses; one dose applied after weeding and remaining 2 doses are applied after cutting.

Irrigation:

• Frequent irrigation during early stages of growth is required.
• Water-logging should be avoided.

Harvesting Time:

• First cutting are obtained after 6-8 weeks of sowing.
• When plant reaches height of 2 ft, it is cut.

Production:

• Green fodder= 30-40 MT/ha, can reach upto 70 MT/ha
• Seed yield: 100-300 kg/ha

Nutrient Content of Teosinte: